Optical & Electronic Materials Device Fabrication Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks an experienced microfabrication specialist to design and optimize multilayer optics, develop fabrication recipes, and apply AI to manufacturing workflows.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in MSE/Physics/EE and 2+ years in a cleanroom. Eligible for Interim Secret clearance; travel to shared facilities may be needed in the Baltimore–Washington area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in microfabrication/nanofabrication cleanroom environment.
• Proficient in multilayer layout design and Python scripting for design automation and data analysis.
• Experience optimizing etch and deposition processes (thermal evaporation, e‑beam, sputtering, PECVD, ICP RIE, ion mill).
• Willing to travel to shared cleanrooms and lab facilities.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date; Secret clearance eventually.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize multilayer layouts with Python scripting for layout generation and data analysis.
• Develop advanced fabrication recipes for multilayer optics using e‑beam lithography and direct‑write lithography on various substrates.
• Apply AI and machine‑learning approaches to improve fabrication processes.
• Maintain GDS/layout databases with Python automation for parametric layout generation and data linking.
• Refine deposition techniques across e‑beam, thermal, sputter, PECVD, ALD, and MOCVD.
• Characterize thin films using SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry and film stress analysis.
• Execute precision etching processes to meet tight specifications and tolerances.
• Maintain and update process documentation including runsheets.
• Collaborate with teams to improve fabrication workflows.

Skills

Python scripting for design automation

Multilayer layout design

Data analysis pipelines

Etch and deposition process expertise

Cleanroom/nanofabrication experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering / Physics / Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

e-beam lithography

PECVD

ICP RIE

XPS

SEM/EDS / XRD / AFM

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks an experienced microfabrication specialist to design and optimize multilayer optics, develop fabrication recipes, and apply AI to manufacturing workflows.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in MSE/Physics/EE and 2+ years in a cleanroom. Eligible for Interim Secret clearance; travel to shared facilities may be needed in the Baltimore–Washington area.