Process Engineer I

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

This position is responsible for developing and sustaining semiconductor wafer fab production processes. As Responsibilities include statistical process control (SPC) of production processes, process documentation, writing and updating work instructions and conducting experiments to invent or improve fabrication processes.

• Sustaining Engineering: use of statistical software tools to monitor process performance; monitoring equipment performance metrics; diagnosing and corrective action of process excursions. Good communication with production staff to understand production problems. Attain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Labtrax Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

• Process Development Engineering: Develop new processes as needed to support new product releases; continuous improvement of existing processes to improve yield or device improvement; documentation of new work instructions; developing and implementing process controls and training production staff to execute new processes.

• Process equipment ownership: Learn and understand operating principles of process equipment; communicate with Equipment Maintenance staff about equipment issues, status and repairs; assist in troubleshooting of equipment; author work instruction for the safe operation of equipment; work with Equipment team to set up Preventative Maintenance (PM) procedures; address any issues that arise during weekly equipment qualifications.

• Process area ownership: Assure assigned areas are safe, organized and tidy; Document and monitor area start-up and shut-down procedures; communicate with Production and Engineering management regarding any problems that arise.

• Teamwork: Participate in engineering discussions, assist other process engineers in cross-area projects; provide periodic updates on engineering projects and production performance.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Must be a US PERSON to work on ITAR products

This is an entry level position. Previous semiconductor process experience is desirable but not required.

A minimum of Bachelor in Science degree in Science or Engineering. A combination or education and work experience may be considered to fulfill minimum educational requirements.

Experience or knowledge in the following areas is beneficial but not required.

• General knowledge of semiconductor fab tools and processes is a plus

• Statistical Data Analysis.

• Statistical Process Control (SPC).

• Knowledge Semiconductor device physics, especially optoelectronic devices.

• Exposure to 1 or more some of the following software/programming languages: SQL, Visual Basic, Matlab, JMP, and Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.

The estimated pay range for this role is $71,400 - $ 90,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.  Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.