NPI Engineer

Xscape Photonics Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Xscape Photonics Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a highly skilled Process Engineering expert in Photonics to own the manufacturing process development for state-of-the-art photonic products.

This hands-on role bridges design and high-volume production. You'll lead development, characterization, and optimization of core assembly processes (die bonding, wire bonding, optical alignment), enable high-volume manufacturing, implement SPC/DOE, advise on DFM, and drive yield improvements while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in a process engineering or NPI role within the semiconductor, electronics, or photonics packaging industry.
• Direct, hands-on experience developing and sustaining key assembly processes such as precision die bonding, wire bonding, optical alignment and wafer level processing
• Demonstrated experience working with Silicon Photonics devices and their associated assembly and packaging processes.
• Proficiency in applying Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) to solve manufacturing problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hands-on development, characterization, and optimization of core assembly processes, including precision die bonding, wire bonding, and active/passive optical alignment.
• Design, develop, and qualify manufacturing processes and equipment with a clear path to ramping to high-volume manufacturing (HVM). Define equipment specifications and drive the design of custom fixtures and tooling.
• Implement and manage SPC for critical process parameters. Use statistical methods (DOE, Cp/Cpk analysis) to monitor process health, drive yield improvements, and ensure manufacturability.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the unique challenges associated with Silicon Photonics device assembly, including fiber attach, thermal management, and high-density interconnects.
• Work closely with the design engineering team to provide critical DFM feedback, ensuring that new products are designed for robust, high-yield manufacturing.
• Drive root cause analysis for yield excursions and process failures. Implement robust corrective and preventative actions to achieve and exceed yield targets.
• Create comprehensive documentation (work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs) and lead the technical transfer of new products and processes to our contract manufacturing (CM) partners.

Skills

Process engineering

NPI experience

Photonic packaging

SPC & DOE proficiency

DFM feedback

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Job description

The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Process Engineering expert in Photonics to own the manufacturing process development for our state-of-the-art photonic products. This is a hands-on role responsible for bridging the gap between design and high-volume production.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Process Development & Optimization: Lead the hands-on development, characterization, and optimization of core assembly processes, including precision die bonding, wire bonding, and active/passive optical alignment.


• High-Volume Scalability: Design, develop, and qualify manufacturing processes and equipment with a clear path to ramping to high-volume manufacturing (HVM). Define equipment specifications and drive the design of custom fixtures and tooling.


• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Implement and manage SPC for critical process parameters. Use statistical methods (DOE, Cp/Cpk analysis) to monitor process health, drive yield improvements, and ensure manufacturability.


• Silicon Photonics Assembly: Serve as the subject matter expert for the unique challenges associated with Silicon Photonics device assembly, including fiber attach, thermal management, and high-density interconnects.


• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Work closely with the design engineering team to provide critical DFM feedback, ensuring that new products are designed for robust, high-yield manufacturing.


• Yield Improvement: Drive root cause analysis for yield excursions and process failures. Implement robust corrective and preventative actions to achieve and exceed yield targets.


• Manufacturing Transfer: Create comprehensive documentation (work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs) and lead the technical transfer of new products and processes to our contract manufacturing (CM) partners.

What You'll Bring (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.


• 5+ years of experience in a process engineering or NPI role within the semiconductor, electronics, or photonics packaging industry.


• Direct, hands-on experience developing and sustaining key assembly processes such as precision die bonding, wire bonding, optical alignment and wafer level processing


• Demonstrated experience working with Silicon Photonics devices and their associated assembly and packaging processes.


• Proficiency in applying Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) to solve manufacturing problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.


• A proven track record of successfully developing manufacturing processes and ramping them into high-volume manufacturing.


• Deep expertise in materials (e.g., epoxies, solders) and characterization techniques used in microelectronic and photonic assembly.


• Experience specifying, sourcing, and qualifying automated or semi-automated manufacturing equipment.


• Experience with statistical analysis software such as JMP or Minitab.


• Experience working with and managing offshore contract manufacturers (CMs).


• Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, data-driven approach.