Senior Wet Etch Process Engineer, Optoelectronics

Coherent Corp.; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a senior Wet Etch Process Engineer to lead development of wet etch chemistries for GaAs and InP optoelectronic devices in a high‑volume semiconductor environment.

You will define recipes, perform metrology‑driven optimization, and mentor junior engineers in a cleanroom setting. The role requires 10+ years of hands‑on experience, expertise in etch chemistry and process control, and strong collaboration with device engineers and R&D teams to ensure high device yield and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wet etch process development, particularly for GaAs and InP‑based optoelectronic devices.
• Strong expertise in wet etch chemistry, selectivity optimization, surface roughness control, and etch stop layers.
• Hands‑on experience with metrology techniques such as SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, and XRD for process verification and defect analysis.
• Deep understanding of etching challenges for VCSELs, photodiodes, and EMLs, including precise mesa formation, sidewall passivation, and optical performance impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize wet etch processes for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge‑emitting lasers on GaAs and InP substrates.
• Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and undercut management.
• Utilize metrology tools (SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, optical interferometry) for process characterization and defect analysis.
• Troubleshoot etch process deviations and implement corrective actions to ensure high device yield and process stability.
• Collaborate with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into fabrication flow.
• Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and qualify new wet etch chemistries, process automation techniques, and etch equipment.
• Develop and document etch process recipes, SOPs, failure analysis reports, and best practices for training.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in wet etch process development.

Skills

Experience in high‑volume semiconducto

Chemical safety & waste disposal

Automation (SECS/GEM), scripting & AI‑

Leadership in project management &Ment

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical/Chemical Engineering, Physics

Job description

Coherent Corp. is seeking a senior Wet Etch Process Engineer to lead development of wet etch chemistries for GaAs and InP optoelectronic devices in a high‑volume semiconductor environment.

You will define recipes, perform metrology‑driven optimization, and mentor junior engineers in a cleanroom setting. The role requires 10+ years of hands‑on experience, expertise in etch chemistry and process control, and strong collaboration with device engineers and R&D teams to ensure high device yield and