Photonics Development Engineer

Overview

Position Title: Photonics Development Engineer
Location: Albany, NY
Category: Engineering
Posted On: Wed Mar 25 2026

NY Creates is looking to hire a Photonics Development Engineer to work on our silicon photonics technology platforms that are currently being developed. This position will be focused primarily on the execution of AIM Photonics' research and development programs, and sponsored projects. The candidate will be expected to develop AIM Photonics silicon photonics platforms with funding projects involved with quantum photonics, IIIV laser integrations, sensors development, optical phased array and novel material integration.

• Developing new technologies in a 300 mm CMOS line.
• Design of experiments - understanding of photonics and how cleanroom processing can affect light propagation.
• Interacting with customers or development partners to understand the specific requirements of a project and to update on challenges, risks, and progress.
• Writing reports, papers, and/or patents.
• Design rule checking and waiver reviews.
• Handling 3rd party design IP.
• Collection and analysis of measurement, metrology, and inline test data.
• Coordinating with vendors such as the mask house, dicing/packaging, and any outsourced processes.
• Process/measurement change requests and change review board (CRB) submissions.
• Sustaining and continuous improvement activities to maximize manufacturability while ensuring stable and repeatable performance.
• Actively participate in team meetings.
• Collaborating with other integration team members.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Photonics Development Engineer

• M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent Engineering and/or Science discipline from a college or University accredited by the USDOE or internationally recognized accrediting organization AND 5+ years relevant professional industry experience.

OR

• Ph. D in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent Engineering and/or Science discipline from a college or University accredited by the USDOE or internationally recognized accrediting organization AND 3+ years relevant professional industry experience.

The successful individual must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to work well under pressure, in a fast-paced environment, and be able to execute a variety of tasks on short notice is a must. Candidate must exhibit the ability to work independently and as a part of a multifaceted team, as required. The needs of the organization can change quickly and therefore the person hired for this position should be flexible and able to learn new topics quickly.

Experience in one or more of the following topics is highly desired:

• CMOS Process Integration experience; sustaining and/or developing processes in a 300mm wafer fabrication facility.
• Process Integration experience non-CMOS technologies (photonics, IIIVs, MEMS, sensors, magnetics, etc.).
• Background in modeling or device physics of photonic devices, specifically silicon or III-V photonics.
• Familiarity with PIC/IC layout and verification tools (KLayout, Lumerical, Ansys, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys, etc.).
• Process development experience in multiple sectors: photolithography, dry etching, oxide deposition, metal deposition, grinding, chemical-mechanical polishing, plating, wet cleans, rapid thermal processing, ion implantation, epitaxial growth, IIIV growth.
• Materials characterization and metrology: SEM, AFM, profilometry, white light interferometry, XRD, SIMS etc.
• Photonic/electronic test and characterization: propagation loss, electro-optic test, photodiode, Mach-Zehnder modulator, sheet resistance, chains, breakdown, etc.

This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check; this position may require annual background checks.

Medical, Vision, and Dental
Competitive Pay and PTO
Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
Basic / Optional Life Insurance
Post-Retirement Health Insurance
Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service.
Optional employee contributed retirement account

Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203

Pay Rate: $150,000 - $200,000

* Posted rate is dependent on experience and education

NOTE:

Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required. For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies.

The decision to pursue an export…