R&D Engineer Epitaxy for Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Introduction

• Design and optimize epitaxial layerstacks for lasers and modulators to meet target performance
• Execute epitaxy process steps as part of full PIC fabrication flows in collaboration with process engineers
• Develop and maintain a library of agile epitaxy processes to enable generic photonic integration
  
  

Job Description

Photonic integrated circuits - or optical chips - have evolved into a mature technology with a broad spectrum of use cases and a diversity of platforms and building blocks. The foundry model is now becoming established where Process Design Kits (PDKs) allow fabless designers to create their own chips with custom functionality. While most developments have previously focused on C-band, bandgap engineering allows indium phosphide photonic circuits to operate at other wavelength ranges. To fully exploit this potential, new photonic building blocks must be developed, including lasers, modulators, photodetectors, and passive components. Extending their operation to the O-band (1310 nm) and the 2-µm band will unlock opportunities in data center interconnects as well as a broad range of sensing applications in healthcare, agrifood, mobility, and others.

We are seeking an R&D engineer to develop novel epitaxial layerstacks for photonic integrated lasers and modulators in both the O-band and 2-µm band. The work will begin at single layerstacks and evolve into multi-layerstacks integration onto the same wafer via etch-and-regrowth techniques. Through applying a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, you will design semiconductor layerstacks for optimal performance of active and passive devices. Key targets will include the accurate control of bandgap, surface morphology, doping profiles and layer interfaces, mostly focusing on AlInGaAs compounds. The epitaxy developments will contribute to novel photonic building blocks for next-generation photonic integrated platforms. Close collaboration with colleagues with device engineers and process engineers is foreseen.

The PIC fabrication work will be carried out at the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom facility (http://www.tue.nl/nanolab), which hosts a state-of-the-art 4” processing line for III-V semiconductors, including an ASML DUV scanner, AIXTRON MOCVD G10 epitaxy reactor, electron beam lithography, diverse plasma etching tools, wafer-level bonding equipment and others.

The position builds on the pioneering work in the foundry production of complex photonic integrated circuits in the JePPIX Pilot Line. The appointed person will work closely with a team of InP PIC technology experts at the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) and collaborate with integrated photonics researchers. The person is expected to produce PIC building blocks that are accessible to consortium partners. This new position is within the new Chips for Europe PIXEurope Pilot Line, which brings together InP PIC technology, silicon photonics, test automation and packaging within one technology agnostic design flow with Europe's leading research organisations.

Link for PIXEurope: https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/05-12-2024-pixeurope-consortium-to-lead-the-european-pilot-line-on-advanced-photonic-integrated-circuits

Link for PITC: https://pitc.nl

Job Requirements

• Doctorate degree in materials engineering, applied physics or similar.
• Deep-tech understanding of one or more aspects of design, manufacturing or testing for relevant semiconductor foundry technology
• Knowledge on growth of semiconductor materials via MOCVD/MOVPE
• Ability to identify tradeoffs for optimizing optoelectronic layerstacks
• Affinity for hands-on practical work in cleanroom environment
• Knowledge on physics of semiconductor devices
• Ability to understand complex problems and being able to formulate strategies to solve them
• Expertise in photonic integration is not a must, but having relevant background alongside enthusiasm and curiosity to apply your unique experience is required.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years as a Researcher; this is a temporary position with the possibility of a 2 year extension.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 11 (min. € 4728 max. € 6433).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Akanksha Kapoor, a.kapoor@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.