Process Scientist/Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuits - Santa Barbara, CA

QPICs, Inc.; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

QPICs, Inc. in Santa Barbara is looking for a Process Scientist/Engineer to support the development of fast-turn fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This position is ideal for candidates with a passion for hands-on work in a dynamic environment, contributing to designed experiments and optimization processes.

Qualifications include a relevant degree and experience in nanofabrication or photonics. The role offers a competitive salary range of $120K-$160K, plus equity incentives, with an eventual option to transfer to Colorado.

Qualifications

• Experience in nanofabrication, photonics, or semiconductor processing essential.
• 3+ years in PIC fabrication with knowledge of waveguide features valued.
• Foundational fabrication experience in lithography, etch, deposition, and metrology necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of fabrication processes for PICs.
• Perform cleanroom process steps and wafer inspections.
• Analyze experimental results and troubleshoot process issues.

Skills

Nanofabrication

Photonics

Cleanroom processes

Data analysis

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline

Tools

SEM

Profilometry

Ellipsometry

Optical characterization

Job description

Process Scientist/Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuits - Santa Barbara, CA

QPICs, the company

QPICs Inc. is driving the new frontier of photonic devices and systems: smaller, lighter, and more power efficient. We are tapping into the transformation of opto-electronics, where compact devices and photonic sub-systems will show up in quantum computers and sensors, communication and computing devices, LIDAR, and AR/VR displays. QPICs is solving the problem of speed to develop these photonics devices; to deliver unique prototypes through mid-scale production; and to link our processes to high volume foundries.

Description of Position

QPICs Inc. is seeking a motivated Scientist/Engineer to support the development and implementation of new fast-turn fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This role is ideal for a candidate who is ‘hands‑on’ and enjoys building devices, and who has experience in integrated photonics, nanofabrication, process characterization, and data‑driven problem solving. Working closely with experienced team members, the successful candidate will contribute to process experiments, metrology, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts across one or more PIC platforms, including silicon nitride and emerging electro‑optic materials.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of fabrication processes for photonic integrated circuits through structured experiments, data collection, and process documentation.
• Perform or assist with cleanroom process steps, wafer inspections, and metrology activities such as SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, or optical characterization.
• Analyze experimental results, identify trends, and contribute to troubleshooting process and device‑performance issues.
• Help maintain process records, run travelers, specifications, and other documentation needed for reproducibility and quality.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across fabrication, device design, and testing to support project execution and learning across the development cycle.
• Contribute to development of process monitors, test structures, and baseline characterization methods for PIC platforms and PDK‑related work.
• Learn and apply safe, organized, and detail‑oriented practices in a cleanroom and R&D environment.

Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Academic, internship, or experience in nanofabrication, photonics, semiconductor processing, or related cleanroom work is essential. 3 years or more experience in PIC fabrication and understanding photonic waveguide specific features such as sidewall roughness and verticality, proximity effects in lithography, and factors driving loss in waveguides is highly valued.
• Foundational experience of fabrication processes such as lithography, etch, deposition, and metrology is necessary.
• Exposure to simulation tools along with design and metrology of test structures.
• Experience with data analysis tools, laboratory notebooks, technical documentation, or experimental design.
• Strong curiosity, attention to detail, good communication skills, and willingness to work collaboratively in a fast‑moving startup setting. A strong interest in learning by doing.
• Ability to take direction, learn quickly, and grow into increasing technical responsibility over time.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000, plus equity incentives.

Location: We are hiring for our location in Santa Barbara, CA. Upon opening of our fabrication facility in Arvada, Colorado, there will be an option to transfer to Colorado.

Immigration Status: Must be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.