Nanofabrication Engineer

QDIR, Inc | Chicago, IL

QDIR, Inc. is an early‑stage startup developing advanced infrared sensing technology for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. Platforms carrying intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities are getting cheaper. The capabilities are not. QDIR exists to address the capabilities gap by building low‑cost mid‑wave infrared thermal cameras for drones.

We are looking for a nanofabrication engineer to join our team and take ownership of fabrication process development for optoelectronic devices. You will work hands‑on in cleanroom and laboratory environments, developing lithography, deposition, and process integration workflows for advanced infrared detector and sensor technologies. You will also use modeling software (COMSOL multiphysics) to develop and iterate over these architectures. This is a high‑independence role in a small, fast‑moving environment where you will have significant influence over how we design, fabricate, troubleshoot, and scale our devices.

• Perform UV lithography and electron‑beam lithography for optoelectronic device fabrication.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot lithography processes including resist selection, exposure, development, alignment, and pattern transfer.
• Perform metal deposition using evaporation, sputtering, or related thin‑film deposition tools.
• Use standard device modeling software (COMSOL multiphysics) to test and iterate over device architectures.
• Support layer design, process flow development, and fabrication troubleshooting for prototype devices.
• Work closely with device, materials, and test teams to translate design requirements into manufacturable fabrication processes.
• Use SEM and optical microscopy to verify critical dimensions, alignment, pattern fidelity, lift‑off quality, and process outcomes.
• Document fabrication processes, tool recipes, and experimental results and deviations clearly.
• Identify process yield issues, root‑cause fabrication failures, and implement practical corrective actions.
• Support rapid iteration of prototype optoelectronic devices in a startup R&D environment.

• Seeking responsibility, autonomy, and accountability in a small‑team startup environment and able to achieve outcomes independently.
• Hands‑on experience with microfabrication or nanofabrication processes.
• Practical experience with UV lithography, e‑beam lithography, or related patterning workflows.
• Familiarity with thin‑film metal deposition and lift‑off processes.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a practical, hands‑on approach to problem solving.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document and communicate technical results.
• Self‑driven with a willingness to learn new tools, processes, and device technologies as requirements evolve.
• Schedule varies depending on operational needs, tool access, and fabrication timelines; flexibility required.

• Degree:
  Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in a field where nanofabrication was a key requirement (Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Engineering, etc.).
• Experience with UV lithography including mask alignment, contact/proximity lithography, resist processing, and multilayer alignment.
• Experience with electron‑beam lithography including dose testing, proximity effects, resist development, and nanoscale pattern verification.
• Experience with metal deposition techniques such as e‑beam evaporation, thermal evaporation, sputtering, or ALD.
• Experience with lift‑off, wet etching, dry etching, surface preparation, adhesion layers, and thin‑film process integration.
• Experience using SEM for design verification, process inspection, failure analysis, or critical dimension measurement.
• Familiarity with CAD/layout tools for mask or e‑beam pattern design.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting multilayer device stacks.
• Prior work in a startup, small team, university cleanroom, national lab, or fast‑paced R&D setting.
• Experience improving process repeatability, yield, documentation, and fabrication throughput.

This position involves access to technology and information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations (including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR)). Any employment offer will be contingent upon the candidate demonstrating the ability to comply with applicable export control requirements.

• Full‑time, onsite in Chicago, IL. This role involves hands‑on cleanroom and laboratory work with prototype optoelectronic devices.
• Base Salary Range: $70,000 to $125,000, depending on experience and fit.
• Benefits include paid time off, 401(k), health/dental/vision, HSA, and equity, depending on experience and fit.