Chief Ion Trap Wafer Fabrication Scientist

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Ion Trap Wafer Fabrication Scientist. Location: Plymouth, MN, USA

Job Type: Full-Time, Remote (up to 25% travel)

Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive all stages of development for microfabricated ion traps, including concept creation, design, layout, fabrication, packaging, and characterization.
• Translate system requirements and designs into functional hardware in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Contribute to strategic, long-range planning for ion trap wafer fabrication and related components;
• Engage with external partners, suppliers, and co-development opportunities to enhance fabrication processes.
• Oversee R&D efforts, ensuring high-quality, high-performance trap production.
• Manage cross-functional teams and maintain coordination with foundry partners.
• Travel up to 25% for collaboration with partners and facilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum in Physics, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in ion trap design and fabrication, integrated optics of waveguides, or chip-scale photonics.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to export control regulations;
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex fabrication projects.

Preferred:

• PhD in Physics or Engineering.
• Extensive experience in a micro-fabrication process environment.
• Proficient with semiconductor/MEMS processes including layout, deep reactive ion etching, photolithography, e-beam lithography, thin film deposition, and electroplating;
• Experience working with external foundries for over 10 years.
• Knowledge of on-chip silicon photonics, photonic modeling, and fiber-to-chip coupling.
• Skilled in Finite Element Modeling (mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, optical, multi-physics) for MEMS-like structures.
• Experience with 2.5D/3D packaging and R&D environments.
• Published and/or patented research in relevant fields;
• Experience working in cross-functional teams.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Annual salary: $208,000–$260,000 (inclusive of potential bonus targets).
• Flexible work schedule.
• Employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with match and student loan repayment benefits.
• Equity and retirement savings plans.
• 12 paid holidays, generous vacation, and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee discounts and other benefits.