Principal Optical Process Engineer

Lumentum; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumentum in San Jose, California is seeking an Optical Process Engineer to join our semiconductor fab process team. You will advance photolithography processes powering our photonics chips for cloud, network applications, and AI markets, while maintaining optical systems and developing unique processes.

You will collaborate with Design, Integration and Equipment Engineering teams, applying DOE, SPC, and Six Sigma methods to reduce defects, improve yield, and minimize cycle time, communicating

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• Hands-on optical bench experience and routine maintenance are preferred.
• Photolithography wafer patterning knowledge is a plus.
• Familiarity with optical inspection equipment and cleanroom protocols.
• Proficient in Python, VBA, LabVIEW, and C++.
• Strong in statistics (DOE, SPC) and data analysis with JMP/Minitab.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, optimization, and implementation of photolithography processes for advanced semiconductor manufacturing nodes.
• Maintain optical holographic systems integrating lasers, optics, and hardware components.
• Develop and refine coherent optical systems, including interferometry setups and laser-based architectures.
• Collaborate with Design, Integration, and Equipment Engineering for new product and tool qualifications.
• Perform data analysis using Six Sigma methods (FMEA, Capability Analysis, SPC, DOE) to improve processes and reduce defects.
• Work with cross-functional teams to meet fab yield targets, improve yield, reduce costs, and minimize cycle time.

Skills

Python

C++

LabVIEW

VBA macros

Data analysis

DOE

SPC

Six Sigma

Education

PhD or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related discipline

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Photolithography tools

Optical bench equipment

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Job Description

We are seeking a highly accomplished Optical Process Engineer to join our semiconductor manufacturing fab process team in San Jose, California. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing our photolithography processes for Lumentum’s optoelectronic solutions supporting cloud, network applications, and the rapidly growing AI market. In this role, you will work in a team environment to maintain existing optical systems and develop unique photolithography process powering Lumentum’s photonics chips.

Job Duties

• Lead development, optimization, and implementation of photolithography processes for advanced semiconductor manufacturing nodes.
• Maintain Optical Holographic Systems integrating lasers, optics, and hardware components
• Develop and refine coherent optical systems, including interferometry setups and laser-based architecture.
• Partner with Design, Integration, and Equipment Engineering teams for new product and tool qualifications.
• Perform statistical data analysis and utilize data driven Six Sigma methodologies such as FMEA, Capability Analysis, SPC, DOE, Design for Manufacturing for improving processes, reducing defects and minimizing variations.
• Collaborate closely with cross functional team to meet fab yield targets, improve yield, reduce costs, and minimize cycle time.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline
• Hands-on experience with optical bench configuration, assembly of optical components, and routine maintenance protocols is preferred.
• Photolithography Wafer patterning experience using through Displacement Talbot lithography Method is an advantage.
• Familiarity with optical inspection equipment, photolithography tools, and cleanroom protocols.
• Programing experience in Python, VBA macros, LabVIEW, C++ is essential.
• Proficient in using statistical tools (e.g., DOE, SPC) and data analysis software (e.g. JMP, Minitab) to optimize process parameters and ensure quality control.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines and with senior management.
• This is an on-site position and requires presence at Lumentum's facility during business hours.

Pay Range

P70-USA-1 :$134,750.00 - $192,500.00

Disclaimer

Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.