Pathfinding Nanofabrication Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Pathfinding Nanofabrication Engineer. Location: California, USA

Responsibilities:

• Develop routines and processes to fabricate next-generation silicon-based qubits, including ion implantation, photo- and electron-beam lithography, wet and plasma processing, material deposition, wafer thinning, dicing, and packaging.
• Drive pathfinding efforts to mature new fabrication processes from early experimentation to reliable implementation.
• Coordinate technical work with external vendors and partners, ensuring effective execution of experimental plans.
• Lead day-to-day technical operations, including tracking samples, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining schedules;
• Hire, mentor, and technically guide a small team of technicians and junior engineers while remaining hands-on with fabrication and experimentation.
• Collaborate closely with device engineers, scientists, and nanofabrication teams across multiple locations.
• Perform in-line metrology and data analysis to evaluate process performance and reproducibility.
• Maintain detailed process documentation, experimental records, and standard operating procedures.
• Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams;
• Contribute to solving complex fabrication and integration challenges and help expand the company’s IP portfolio.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in semiconductor device fabrication with a demonstrated portfolio of fabricated devices.
• Experience working across multiple process modules and integrating complex fabrication flows.
• Familiarity with optical and electron lithography tools;
• Knowledge of semiconductor characterization and metrology techniques.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Strong ability to work independently, manage multiple technical workstreams, and lead through execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with silicon photonics, advanced silicon devices, or related platforms.
• Experience in research or R&D environments with rapid process iteration;
• Demonstrated experience running organized technical operations, including work tracking, prioritization, and schedule discipline in a fabrication R&D setting.
• Prior experience helping establish or grow new fabrication capabilities.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive base salary range: $126,200 to $173,500 USD per year.
• Equity options for full-time roles.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, parental leave top-ups, employee assistance program, and flexible spending accounts.
• Relocation assistance for global talent.
• Inclusive and collaborative company culture with regular social events and team activities.

Other Information:

• This role requires working onsite in California, USA.
• Photonic is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants who meet most but not all requirements are encouraged to apply.
• AI tools may assist in applicant review, but hiring decisions are made by humans.
• Applicants should submit a cover letter with their resume in a single file, detailing how they would be a great fit and the attributes they bring to the team.