R&D Senior Process Engineer

Neara; Addison (TX); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Neuroscience is seeking an R&D Senior Process Engineer to lead materials and MEMS manufacturing development for neural interface technologies in Addison, TX. The role focuses on thin-film encapsulation and integration with polymer films within our in-house MEMS facility.

The successful candidate will guide the transition from feasibility to scale-up, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to IP and publications while ensuring compliance with ISO certifications and

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with a research focus on thin film ceramics or dielectric materials (or MS with equivalent industry experience).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with thin film ceramic deposition techniques (ALD, PECVD, sputtering, e‑beam evaporation).
• Experience in thin film characterization methods such as ellipsometry, XRD, SEM/TEM, AFM, profilometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Strong working knowledge of MEMS microfabrication processes (photolithography, dry/wet etching, metallization, wafer/substrate handling) and cleanroom experience.
• Proven ability to design and interpret test studies for evaluating encapsulation or barrier film reliability.
• Understanding of failure mechanisms in multilayer thin film stacks, including interfacial adhesion, stress management, and mechanical fatigue under flexing or cyclic loading.
• Excellent experimental design (DOE) skills and data analysis capabilities to drive process optimization decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience documenting technical processes and presenting findings to cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thin film ceramic encapsulation/insulation layers integrated with polymer films.
• Define material selection criteria and deposition strategies (ALD, PECVD, sputtering, e-beam evaporation) based on required film properties: barrier performance, dielectric strength, stress/adhesion behavior, and biocompatibility.
• Characterize film properties and analyzing data from techniques such as ellipsometry, XRD, SEM/TEM, profilometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Collaborate with process engineers to integrate ceramic thin film steps into a MEMS microfabrication flow (e.g., photolithography, etching, metallization).
• Develop test structures and DOEs to systematically evaluate ceramic film performance as a function of deposition parameters, thickness, and multilayer stack design.
• Author technical reports, process documentation, and IP disclosures; present findings to internal stakeholders and, where appropriate, at scientific conferences or in peer‑reviewed publications.
• Stay current with emerging thin film ceramic materials and deposition technologies relevant to implantable bioelectronics, and recommend adoption where beneficial.

Skills

Thin film deposition

MEMS processing

DOE / experimental design

Characterization methods

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science / ECE / Chemical Eng

MS with equivalent industry experience

Tools

ALD

PECVD

Sputtering

E-beam evaporation

Ellipsometry

XRD

SEM/TEM

AFM

Job description

R&D Senior Process Engineer

Job type: Full Time · Department: Microfabrication · Work type: Hybrid · USD 135,000-150,000 / year

Addison, Texas, United States

ABOUT PRECISION NEUROSCIENCE

Precision Neuroscience is building a next-generation brain–computer interface (BCI) to heal and empower millions of people living with neurological conditions.

Our first product, Layer 7, is designed to help people with severe paralysis operate digital devices using only their thoughts—opening up new possibilities for daily life.

Our team brings together experts in neurosurgery, AI and machine learning, microfabrication, electrical engineering, clinical science, and more. We combine deep technical rigor with a people-first mindset to turn breakthrough research into real-world medical solutions.

As a Precision employee, you’ll join one of the fastest-moving and best-capitalized companies in the emerging field of brain–computer interfaces. Since our founding in 2021, we have raised more than $180 million, advanced our technology through validation, and initiated human trials with leading hospitals across the country.

Our Values:

We build for human impact, measuring progress by the lives our work can change.

We do no harm, holding ourselves to the highest standards of safety, integrity, and responsibility.

We innovate with urgency because the stakes are high and our users can’t wait.

We bring sharp minds, open ears, pairing expertise with curiosity, humility, and respect.

And we lead the way, taking ownership of our work and helping to shape the future of our field.

We are seeking a R&D Senior Process Engineer to lead the materials and MEMS manufacturing development of our neural interface technologies.

This role owns the development of our thin-film based manufacturing and materials development. You will lead this work in our in-house ISO-certified MEMS facility in Addison, TX.

You will span the range of technology development from early research to early production, bridging the gap from feasibility to scale-up.

This position will be based in our Addison, TX office. We are unable to consider remote workers or individuals who are not currently based in the US and legally authorized to work in the US.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thin film ceramic encapsulation/insulation layers integrated with polymer films.
• Define material selection criteria and deposition strategies (ALD, PECVD, sputtering, e-beam evaporation) based on required film properties: barrier performance, dielectric strength, stress/adhesion behavior, and biocompatibility.
• Characterize film properties and analyzing data from techniques such as ellipsometry, XRD, SEM/TEM, profilometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Collaborate with process engineers to integrate ceramic thin film steps into a MEMS microfabrication flow (e.g., photolithography, etching, metallization).
• Develop test structures and DOEs to systematically evaluate ceramic film performance as a function of deposition parameters, thickness, and multilayer stack design.
• Author technical reports, process documentation, and IP disclosures; present findings to internal stakeholders and, where appropriate, at scientific conferences or in peer-reviewed publications.
• Stay current with emerging thin film ceramic materials and deposition technologies relevant to implantable bioelectronics, and recommend adoption where beneficial.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with a research focus on thin film ceramics or dielectric materials (or M.S. with equivalent industry experience).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with thin film ceramic deposition techniques (ALD, PECVD, sputtering, e‑beam evaporation) and a deep understanding of the structure‑property relationships governing film performance.
• Experience in thin film characterization methods such as ellipsometry, XRD, SEM/TEM, AFM, profilometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Strong working knowledge of MEMS microfabrication processes (photolithography, dry/wet etching, metallization, wafer/substrate handling) and cleanroom experience.
• Proven ability to design and interpret test studies for evaluating encapsulation or barrier film reliability.
• Understanding of failure mechanisms in multilayer thin film stacks, including interfacial adhesion, stress management, and mechanical fatigue under flexing or cyclic loading.
• Excellent experimental design (DOE) skills and data analysis capabilities to drive process optimization decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience documenting technical processes and presenting findings to cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with nanolaminate or multilayer ceramic barrier stack design for moisture/ion barrier applications.
• Background in chronic in vivo or in vitro reliability testing of implantable electronics.
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications or patents in thin film ceramics, MEMS, or bioelectronics.
• Familiarity with biocompatibility and regulatory standards for implantable devices (ISO 10993, ISO13485 FDA guidance documents).
• Experience mentoring or leading small technical teams in a startup or fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Familiarity with wafer‑level or panel‑level packaging and hermetic sealing approaches for implantable microdevices.

Diverse workforces create the best culture, company, and products. We at Precision are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates the uniqueness and contributions of everyone.

As an equal opportunity employer, Precision does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The actual base salary offered is determined by a number of variables, including, as appropriate, the applicant's qualifications for the position, years of relevant experience, distinctive skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location of residence and/or place of employment.

We prioritize candidate security. Please be aware that job offers will only come from emails ending with @precisionneuro.io

For roles based in Massachusetts: it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Precision Neuroscience does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies, staffing firms, or third‑party recruiters. Any resumes submitted without a prior written agreement and an authorized job order will be considered the property of Precision Neuroscience, and no fee will be owed in the event a candidate is hired. All qualified candidates should apply directly through our careers page.