Senior Process Development Engineer

PINC Technologies Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock option plan

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Short term and long term disability

Company-sponsored team outings

Job summary

A fast-growing photonics startup in Pasadena is looking for a Senior Process Development Engineer to advance fabrication processes for integrated photonic circuit products. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and over 5 years of hands-on experience in integrated photonics. Responsibilities include maintaining existing processes, developing new ones, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Competitive benefits include stock options, retirement plans, and paid time off, all while working in a vibrant area near Los Angeles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in integrated photonics or microelectronics process development.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling nanofabrication processes.
• Strong understanding of the full PIC development workflow.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain existing fabrication processes for integrated photonic devices.
• Develop and optimize fabrication processes for PINC’s TFLN-based NanoPPLN platform.
• Collaborate closely with the Design, Test, and Packaging teams.

Skills

Expertise in photolithography

Strong problem-solving skills

Hands-on experience in integrated photonics

Ability to troubleshoot complex challenges

Education

PhD in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Lumerical

Tidy3D

PhotonD

COMSOL

Job description

The ever growing technological advances in computing, communication, and sensing depend on photonics. PINC builds the transformative integrated photonic platform to address these needs and make that future possible. Our proprietary NanoPPLN photonic platform is based on pioneering advancements from the Nonlinear Photonics Laboratory at Caltech. PINC is an early-stage startup with venture backing from leading financial investors and major global photonics companies.

We are growing quickly and looking for passionate, highly driven, and self-disciplined individuals to join us on this journey, who are excited to push the boundaries of Photonic technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for people who excel in a fast-paced environment, approach challenges with a “can-do” mindset, and work collaboratively to inspire others while helping to build a strong team around them and with them as we scale the company together.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer to join our team in Pasadena to own and advance fabrication processes for PINC’s integrated photonic circuit products.

This role is ideal for a technically rigorous Process Engineer with strong expertise in nanofabrication and integrated photonics. The ideal candidate will execute established processes while developing and refining new ones to improve performance, yield, and scalability. Over time, this role may expand to contribute to the advancement of our fabrication infrastructure as the company grows.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and approaches complex challenges with structured problem solving. In this role, you will work closely with a highly interdisciplinary team of engineers to develop solutions that drive the performance of PINC’s photonic platform.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain existing fabrication processes for integrated photonic devices, including lithography (photo and e-beam), etching, and metallization.
• Develop and optimize fabrication processes for PINC’s TFLN-based NanoPPLN platform.
• Work hands-on in cleanroom environments (internal and external facilities).
• Create, update, and maintain detailed fabrication documentation and SOPs to ensure process repeatability and traceability.
• Generate and modify GDS layouts to support fabrication and process development activities.
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve yield, performance, and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with the Design, Test, and Packaging teams to drive process optimization and productization.
• Support process transfer and scaling efforts for PINC’s nonlinear photonic integrated circuit platform.
• Support the design of passive and active photonic components for nonlinear and integrated photonics applications.
• Support packaging-related process development and integration as needed.
• Travel to external fabrication facilities as required (up to 25%).

Requirements

• PhD in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience with demonstrated technical ownership).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in integrated photonics or microelectronics process development.
• Demonstrated expertise in photolithography, e‑beam lithography, dry etching, metal deposition, metrology, wet processing, wafer dicing, and polishing.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling nanofabrication processes with measurable improvements in yield, performance, and reproducibility.
• Strong understanding of the full PIC development workflow, including layout design, fabrication processes, and device operation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex fabrication challenges using root‑cause analysis and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to analyze complex experimental and manufacturing data.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 2+ years of experience in startup or early‑stage R&D environments with rapid iteration cycles.
• Deep expertise in integrated photonics platforms (silicon photonics, TFLN, or hybrid systems).
• Experience with advanced packaging and integration of photonic devices and hands‑on photonic characterization and testing.
• Experience with photonic device design and simulation tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, PhotonD, and COMSOL.
• Exceptional opportunities for professional growth and learning.
• Stock option plan.
• Retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off (Vacation, sick & public holidays).
• Life insurance.
• Short term and long term disability.
• Company-sponsored team outings.

Our office is located in the heart of Pasadena, a world‑class hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship, with close ties to Caltech and Southern California’s broader innovation community, and access to vibrant neighborhoods, culture, dining, and outdoor activities, all within minutes of Los Angeles.