Contamination Control Engineer

IPG Photonics is a pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers, headquartered in Marlborough, MA.

We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong foundation in chemistry to lead contamination control and manufacturing process development for deep‑ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems. This role requires deep expertise in photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that impact the performance, reliability, and lifetime of DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience diagnosing and mitigating chemically driven degradation in high‑energy UV environments.

This is a technically demanding role with significant influence on materials selection, manufacturing process development, and long‑term system reliability.

• Lead and advance contamination control strategies for DUV laser manufacturing
• Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface‑driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials
• Evaluate and select materials, including polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, and cleaning agents for compatibility with deep‑UV exposure
• Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface‑science principles
• Lead root‑cause analysis of DUV‑induced failures and contamination‑related issues
• Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption/desorption, and photo‑induced reactions in DUV environments
• Collaborate closely with R&D teams to translate laboratory‑scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes
• Define contamination‑control specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria
• Support supplier qualification, engagement, and audits related to chemical cleanliness and material compatibility
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject‑matter expert in DUV contamination control and chemistry

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep‑UV irradiation
• Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination‑driven performance or lifetime limitations in optical or laser systems
• Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, out gassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV‑induced chemical reactions
• Experience working in contamination‑sensitive environments such as clean rooms or precision optics manufacturing
• Familiarity with cleaning processes, contamination‑control methods, and handling procedures for optical and laser components
• Hands‑on experience with DUV systems operating at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research environments
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system‑level behavior
• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Experience with surface‑analysis and contamination‑diagnostics tools
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and statistical analysis software
• Background in reliability engineering for DUV optical systems preferred
• Experience defining cleanliness standards for high‑energy UV or photolithography‑related applications preferred