MTS Epitaxy Development Engineer

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. seeks an MTS Epitaxy Development Engineer to drive product-focused GaN epitaxial deposition work using MOCVD. You will plan experiments, analyze metrology data and work with process and chip teams to optimize epi and device performance.

The role requires a MS/PhD in engineering and 1–5 years of related experience, with strengths in metrology and LED/laser devices. This is a full‑time, on‑site position in California, offering a strong salary and advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in engineering (materials, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline).
• 1–5 years of industry experience in compound semiconductor epitaxial process development, semiconductor or manufacturing process engineering for product.
• Experience with a variety of thin film metrology and characterization techniques.
• Fabrication and/or test experience with LED, laser diode or similar optoelectronic devices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute product-driven epitaxial processes via MOCVD.
• Analyze and review metrology data associated with epitaxial processes and equipment.
• Contribute to development and optimization of yield and process control metrics for epi.
• Coordinate with chip fabrication team to plan and execute necessary epi experiments for co-optimization of epi and chip; may serve as member on cross-functional project team(s).
• Support quality systems requirements and new product introduction (NPI) requirements.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical programming

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

MS or PhD in engineering (materials, electrical, physics)

Tools

JMP

Python

MATLAB

Mathematica

Job description

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in thecommercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laserlight sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERACorporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation withthe strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of aglobal technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performanceLaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptionalbrightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN lasertechnologies enable a wide range of applications,including automotive and mobility, specialty and portablelighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedicalinstrumentation, industrial imaging, and emergingcommunication technologies such as LiFi. With verticallyintegrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLDcollaborates closely with customers to deliver applicationspecific laser solutions, accelerating developmenttimelines from concept through production. The companyoperates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities inSanta Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting bothinnovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant forautomotive applications, and its products meet rigorous ULand IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitmentto quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces inManufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employeecentric culture built on collaboration, technicalexcellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a missionto engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser basedsolutions that power next generation mobility, consumer,specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light bydeveloping, manufacturing and marketing innovative laserbased products with high efficiency and luminance formobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

As an MTS Epitaxy Development Engineer, you will be responsible forproduct-driven development of gallium nitride based epitaxialdeposition processes using Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition(MOCVD). This position will be responsible for planning and executionof MOCVD experiments, analysis and review of metrology data, andworking closely with process engineering to ensure necessary processcontrols for uniform and high yielding MOCVD processes. This positionis additionally responsible for close cross-functional work with chipfabrication teams to identify and contribute to co-optimization ofepitaxy and chip designs toward product requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Development and execution of product-driven epitaxial processesvia MOCVD
• Analyze and review metrology data associated with epitaxialprocesses and equipment.
• Contribute to development and optimization of yield and processcontrol metrics for epi
• Coordinate with chip fabrication team to plan and executenecessary epi experiments for co-optimization of epi and chip; mayserve as member on cross-functional project team(s)
• Support quality systems requirements and new product introduction(NPI) requirements
• Additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in engineering (materials, electrical engineering,physics or related discipline)
• 1-5 years of industry experience in compound semiconductorepitaxial process development, semiconductor or manufacturingprocess engineering for product
• Experience with a variety of thin film metrology andcharacterization techniques
• Fabrication and/or test experience with LED, laser diode orsimilar optoelectronic devices

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of epitaxial growth experience in gallium nitride MOCVD,preferably in an R&D or process development environmentsupporting high-volume manufacturing.
• Laser device design and chip fabrication knowledge; technicalbackground to effectively support epi/chip design co-optimizationfor various applications
• Strong analytical programming and/or data analysis skills (JMP,Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, etc)
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative and analyticalproblem-solving skills
• Self-motivated and resourceful
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Flexible, collaborative, and team-oriented.

The full time base salary range for the position of MTS EpitaxyDevelopment Engineer is $157,000 to $212,000 per annum. The rangereflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hiresfor the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay isdetermined by several factors including work location, job relatedskills, experience, and relevant education and training. For moreinformation about the base salary range applicable to the worklocation, talk to the recruiter.

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We donot discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex(including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions),gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry,citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protectedmedical condition, military or veteran status, marital status,domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, orany other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Because of export-control requirements, applicants must qualify asa "U.S. Person" as defined by the United States ExportControl Regulations. Visa sponsorship is not available for thisposition.

The above statements are intended to describe the general natureand level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of allresponsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.