Senior Research Engineer - Process Development for Integrated Photonics Fabrication

Senior Research Engineer - Process Development for Integrated Photonics Fabrication (all genders)

Join Silicon Austria Labs and drive innovation in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC-) technology on the pilot lines within the framework of the European Chips Act!

SAL is seeking two experienced Senior Research Engineers leading process development for PICs and ensuring stable, repeatable fabrication processes. One position will primarily focus on Aluminum Nitride (AlN) PIC fabrication, and the other on Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) PIC fabrication

Your future tasks include:

• PIC Fabrication & Development: Designing, fabricating, and testing PICs.
• Technology ownership: Owning a platform flow (AlN or TFLN) and acting as a go-to person for fabrication topics, including coordination with cleanroom/process engineering and alignment with design/test needs.
• DOE-Driven process development: Developing and integrating process modules, planning and executing Design of Experiments (DOE), driving process integration and stability.
• Fabrication: Hands-on work with lithography, deposition, dry etch, metrology/SPC.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with process engineering team and supporting collaborations.
• Documentation & IP: Reporting, documentation, and contributing to IP generation.

Your profile:

• Education: PhD or MSc with 5+ years relevant work experience in applied physics or related fields.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in microfabrication, hands-on cleanroom experience.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational/documentation skills, collaborative, autonomous, excellent communication in English (German is a plus).

Important Facts about SAL:

• Diverse research activities, state-of-the-art facilities, relocation support for non-Europeans.
• Training opportunities, family-friendly policies, health initiatives ("Vital4SAL").
• Meal allowance (€4/day or €2/day), public transport subsidy, values: open door policy, flexibility, diversity.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 4.056, paid 14 times a year). We offer competitive salaries starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 65.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

About us:

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS) with locations in Graz, Villach, and Linz. We conduct application-oriented research along the ESBS value chain, shaping Austria and Europe's high-tech landscape.