Cleanroom Process Engineer – Thin-Film Lithium Niobate / Tantalate Photonics

Cleanroom Process Engineer – Thin-Film Lithium Niobate / Tantalate Photonics

LUXTELLIGENCE SA is a young, privately held, andrapidlygrowing Swiss high-tech startup company, founded in 2022 by researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL). We are developing next generationphotonic integrated circuits based on electro-optical materials, in particular thin-film Lithium Niobate and Lithium Tantalate, that can revolutionize next generation optical interconnects for AI data centers and High-Performance Computing.

We are looking for a Cleanroom ProcessEngineer to support our foundry services on thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI400)and lithium tantalate (LTOI300) photonic integrated circuits. This is a key operational rolewithin our Foundry services team. You will be responsible for executing processruns in accordance with the run card, resolving technical issues in thecleanroom as they arise, and maintaining accurate and complete processdocumentation. You will work closely with our senior process engineers, withthe opportunity to grow into process development and the implementation of newPDK components.

Key Responsibilities

MPW/DPW production

• Execute MPW/DPW runs in the cleanroom by following the run cardand the customer design: lithography, etching, deposition, metallization,cladding, cleaning and back-end steps.
• Operate cleanroom equipment autonomously, respecting safety andcontamination-control rules.
• Troubleshoot process and tool problems independently: identifythe root cause, propose and apply a solution, and escalate when needed.
• Document each run thoroughly: process parameters, deviations,inspection results and corrective actions.
• Perform design checks and verifydesign-to-fabrication compatibility

R&D and PDK support

• Support the optimization of the process flow for LNOI400 andLTOI300 stacks, including the upgrade to double metallization and RFtermination.
• Contribute to the development of PDK building blocks and theirintegration in a scalable fabrication process.
• Take part in R&D on new nanofabrication processes and PDKcomponents, under the guidance of senior engineers.

Metrology, testing and data analysis

• Perform in-line and end-of-line metrology on MPW wafers (SEM,AFM, profilometry, ellipsometry, optical inspection).
• Carry out device testing and data analysis for quality controlof MPW runs.
• Support the statistical analysis of metrology and PDKmeasurement data (process control monitors, wafer uniformity, yield).
• Keep process records, travelers and measurement data completeand traceable.

Design and EDA support

• Support the PDK in EDA software in collaboration with thedesign team.

Customers, projects and business

• Provide technical support to customers, project management and grants.

Profile We Are Looking For

Required

• BSc or MSc in physics, materials science, microengineering,electrical engineering or a related field.
• (1–3) years of hands-on cleanroom experience (cleanroom workduring a master's thesis or PhD counts). Experience at CMi is highly appreciated.
• Working knowledge of core cleanroom processes:photolithography, dry and wet etching, thin-film deposition, metallizationand lift-off, cleaning.
• Ability to follow a run card rigorously, with strong attentionto detail.
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, Python or MATLAB).

Nice to have

• Experience with thin-film lithium niobate or otherdifficult-to-etch materials.
• Experience with metrology tools such as SEM, AFM, profilometryand ellipsometry.
• Basic knowledge of integrated photonics (waveguides,modulators, optical or RF measurements).
• Familiarity with layout and DRC tools (e.g. KLayout).
• Experience in a foundry or MPW environment.

Qualities

• Methodical, rigorous and reliable
• Autonomous, but asks for help at the right moment
• Team player with good communication skills
• Troubleshooting mindset: you diagnose process and tool issueson your own and propose solutions.
• Habit of documenting everything clearly (run-cards, logbooks,travelers, deviation reports).
• Good working English.

A key role in a growing deep-tech company at the center of theEuropean thin-film lithium niobate/tantalate ecosystem.

Direct impact on products used by customers worldwide.

Collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners.

Join a young, diverse, flexible and highly motivated team

An inspiring working environment, in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva.

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