Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) Engineer

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC; Sugar Land, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Immigration sponsorships

401(k) matching

Generous PTO

Job summary

APPLIED OPTOELECTRONICS INC. seeks an MBE Engineer to manufacture InP-laser structures using MBE systems on-site in Sugar Land, Texas.

The role includes data tracking, process control, and collaboration with design and R&D teams to improve yields and performance. Candidates should have a technical degree and 3+ years in semiconductor processes; senior candidate may be offered for strong leadership in troubleshooting and process qualification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in experiment design, process control, and improvement in semiconductor lab or fabrication.
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor characterization techniques (photoluminescence, X-ray, optical microscopy) is preferred.
• Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired.
• Experience operating MBE or MOCVD epitaxy growth systems is a plus.
• Robust analysis and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Comfortable working under cleanroom hood; flexible hours may be required (2nd shift/night).
• Ability to lift and hold 20 lbs for 30 seconds.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate MBE growth and characterization of InP-based materials.
• Take system ownership for production and system service.
• Measure epitaxial wafers using structural, optical, and electrical tools.
• Input production and growth data into the database.
• Track device and equipment performance; perform failure analysis.
• Enter characterization results in reports to monitor yield and performance.
• Communicate results to improve yield and performance.
• Study new equipment and upgrade parts as needed.
• Maintain equipment with preventative and corrective maintenance; coordinate with vendors.
• Lead troubleshooting, calibration, and process qualification.
• Log maintenance items and predict future needs to avoid downtime.
• Improve process control to enhance quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate with R&D on new structure design and feedback from growth.

Skills

Robust analysis

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

MBE/MOCVD epitaxy systems

Job description

AOI is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

The MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) Engineer manufactures InP-laser structures with MBE system, records and tracks the data of InP-laser wafer growth. Responsible for routine maintenance and calibration of equipment, wafer growth and characterization, monitoring and interpreting characterization results to the multi-disciplinary team of device fabrication, manufacturing of structures, and ensure quality to control yields and performance. Depending on experience and education, a Senior Engineer position may be offered. The Senior Engineer candidate should demonstrate the capability to independently identify failure or improvement areas in the MBE process without detailed instructions from management.

Job Duties

• Independently and professionally operate MBE growth and characterization of InP-based materials.
• Take system ownership and be responsible for production and system service.
• Measure epitaxial wafers by using structural, optical, and electrical characterization tools.
• Collect and input production and growth data in the database.
• Track device and equipment’s performance and conduct failure analysis.
• Enter characterization results into reports to monitor yield and performance.
• Monitor/chart characterization results and communicating those through written reports to improve yield and performance.
• Study new equipment and upgrade parts as needed.
• Maintain equipment, including preventative and corrective maintenance, and work with vendors to repair equipment when on-site service is unavailable.
• Lead troubleshooting, calibration of equipment, and process qualification.
• Log maintenance items and predict the future needs to avoid downtime.
• Improve process control to enhance quality and yield.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedure.
• Work with R&D team on the new structure design and provide feedback from the growth point of view.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline is required, Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

To be considered for MBE Engineer position, a minimum 3-year experience in experiment design, process control, and improvement in semiconductor laboratory or fabrication is required

Hands‑on experience in semiconductor characterization techniques, such as photoluminescence, X‑ray diffraction, optical microscopy, etc. is preferred.

Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired

Experience operating MBE or MOCVD epitaxy growth systems is a plus

Robust analysis and problem‑solving skills.

Comfortable to work under cleanroom hood and without any make‑up.

Willing to work flexible hours upon production request which may include 2nd shift and night shift production work schedule.

Ability to lift and hold 20 lbs steady for 30 secs.

Location

This position will be on‑site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation package available within US
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.