Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Photonics Metrology R&D Engineer to drive the development of new processes and modules for our innovative thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with top academic institutions.

Position Summary

As a Photonics Metrology R&D Engineer, you will define, implement and execute wafer-level metrology techniques to advance our TFLN-based PIC platforms. Your contributions will be pivotal in continuing the innovation at the metrology level in state-of-the-art metrology lab, bringing our cutting-edge photonic technologies from concept to mass production.

Key Responsibilities

Technical: Operate and maintain high-precision instruments, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), stylus profilometer, ellipsometer, and optical and confocal microscopes.

Thin-film characterization: Analyze wafer-level data to evaluate film stress, uniformity, roughness, film thickness, refractive index, and defect analysis.

Quality: Validation and qualification of metrology tools to ensure measurement accuracy, repeatability, and long-term system stability. Drive calibration control of Lightium’s metrology tool park.

Supporting process optimization: Provide metrology-driven feedback across deposition, etching, masking, and lithography workflows, thereby contributing to Lightium’s roadmap-driven photonic device development.

Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design, processing, fabrication to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our PIC technologies.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of process development and report findings, as well as implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for measurement protocols.

Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new metrology techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape.

What Our Ideal Candidate Brings

Educational Background: An advanced degree in material science, physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Experience: First work experience in thin-film characterization at an industrial level. Prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP, GaAs or related photonics platforms is a plus.

Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in SEM imaging, FIB, EDX, ellipsometry, profilometry, confocal microscopy and other thin film characterization techniques. DC parametric and RF electrical measurements as well as experience with fiber-optical measurements is a plus.

Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule between multiple projects, clean documentation of metrology processes and results, follow standard working procedures, and use best practices to maintain confidentiality.

Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required and knowledge of German or French is an advantage.

What We Offer

A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.

A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflects your experience and expertise.

Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.