Process Development Engineer

Position Overview

The Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF) is an open‑access Core Facility located on Montana State University’s campus. This full‑time position focuses on developing and optimizing etching processes for waveguide fabrication in lithium niobate over a 1.75‑year funded project.

• Characterize, optimize, and develop etch, deposition, and etch processes to fabricate wave guides in lithium niobate.
• Create, update, and manage travelers and other documentation.
• Purchase supplies and coordinate with vendors.
• Project management and reporting.
• Learn and operate lithography, etch, deposition, metrology, and test equipment.
• Vary process parameters and perform statistical analysis to improve results.
• Engineer solutions to improve device performance.

• B.S. in physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or a combination of education and/or applicable experience.
• Coursework and experience with photolithography, etching, and deposition.
• At least two years of hands‑on microfabrication experience in a university cleanroom.

• Experience in pathfinding microfabrication projects in an R&D environment.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills with internal and external users and with private sector individuals.
• Coursework or experience with wave guides, lasers, and photonic integrated circuits.
• Experience troubleshooting a variety of processing problems.

• Dedication and commitment to consistently deliver high‑quality results and reports.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new technical and professional skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new organizational and managerial systems.
• Maintenance of strong relationships with coworkers and customers.
• Excellent attention to detail.

• Repetitive gowning and de‑gowning, wearing full cleanroom attire including coveralls, hoods, gloves, booties, and safety glasses.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry or otherwise move 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work with small, delicate parts requiring fine motor skills.
• Ability to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.