Process Development Engineer

Position Overview

Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF) is an open‑access Core Facility located on Montana State University’s campus. This full‑time technical position focuses on developing and optimizing etching processes for waveguide optimization in lithium niobate over a 1.75‑year funded project. You will evaluate vendor‑provided processes, develop and refine in‑house processes, and characterize propagation loss and waveguide performance while working closely with internal researchers and our local industry partner to advance photonics fabrication capabilities.

You will also be expected to become familiar with the other tools and processes available in our facility required to complete the project.

Salary range: $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

• 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.
• Perform mask design, process integration, and regular reporting as needed.

• 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.

• Repetitive gowning and de‑gowning, wearing full cleanroom attire including coveralls, hoods, gloves, booties, and safety glasses.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to work with small, delicate parts requiring fine motor skills.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

Successful candidate must be a U.S. person (in accordance with 22 CFR § 120.62) and be able to comply with the federally mandated U.S. export control laws.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.