R&D Engineer – Thin Film Materials

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Engineer – Thin Film Materials. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Job Type: Research and Development Engineer (Full-Time)

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize superconducting thin films using deposition techniques and specialized fabrication tools.
• Perform advanced material characterization using XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, SIMS, and STEM/EELS.
• Conduct electrical measurements at both room temperature and cryogenic conditions;
• Analyze relationships between thin film material properties and quantum device performance.
• Identify reliable material indicators that predict SNSPD behavior and performance outcomes.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and technical conclusions in a structured format.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to internal teams.
• Collaborate with external vendors, fabrication facilities, and research partners for deposition and testing.
• Track wafer progress and provide consistent technical updates.

Qualifications:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in thin film growth and metrology.
• Hands-on experience with deposition techniques such as PVD, CVD, or MBE.
• Strong understanding of thin film characterization and metrology methods;
• Experience with data analysis tools including Python, Excel, or JMP.
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills.

Preferred:

• Experience working in microfabrication and cleanroom environments.
• Familiarity with advanced characterization methods such as STEM/EELS.
• Understanding of superconducting or nanoscale device physics.
• Experience with low-temperature electrical characterization;
• Experience developing new measurement or characterization techniques.
• Experience improving automation, test setups, or data workflows.
• Experience with superconducting material growth (preferred advantage).
• Ability to correlate material behavior with device-level performance.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $95,000 to $145,000 depending on location and experience.
• Equity participation for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, and wellness coverage).
• Opportunity to work on large-scale utility quantum computing systems;
• Exposure to advanced superconducting nanowire single-photon detector development.
• Collaboration with leading researchers in materials science and quantum engineering.

Other Information:

• Focus on silicon photonics-based quantum computing architecture.
• Work involves collaboration across materials science, device engineering, and quantum systems teams.
• Role contributes directly to development of scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware.
• Equal opportunity employer with strong commitment to diversity and inclusion;
• Applicants must comply with standard hiring verification and application integrity policies.