Sr Sapphire Crystal Process Engineer

Sr Sapphire Crystal Growth Process Engineer

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This range is provided by II‑VI Aerospace & Defense. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$80,630.00/yr - $/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail‑oriented engineer to operate sapphire crystal growth equipment and drive advancements in process and product development. This dynamic role combines hands‑on operation with process design, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to meet internal and external customer needs.

The engineer will be responsible for operating sapphire crystal growth equipment, utilizing edge‑defined film‑fed growth (EFG) and heat‑exchanger methods, along with other related processes. Key responsibilities include supporting the design of production equipment and processes, leading improvement initiatives, updating and creating process documentation, and troubleshooting various challenges. The role also focuses on cost reduction, cycle‑time optimization, process stability, and metrics tracking.

Furthermore, the engineer will take the lead in developing new processes and products to meet evolving customer requirements.

• Identifies and monitors critical crystal growth process parameters, addressing factors that impact process control, yield, and throughput.
• Creates/maintains crystal growth procedures, SPC charts and related paperwork.
• Investigates data to establish correlations & trends, improvements, and root‑cause failure analysis for existing processes.
• Utilizes fundamental understanding of materials science and crystal growth to develop new growth processes to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Leads the implementation of processes/technology from R&D to manufacturing.
• Supports manufacturing operations in capacity expansion and supplier qualification while maintaining quality and meeting product specifications.
• Generates scientific and technical ideas, contributes to the Intellectual Property Portfolio by writing disclosures and patents, and participates in scientific meetings.

• Bachelor's in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry. Master’s or Ph.D. in a related technical field is a strong plus.
• Minimum 5 years of melt crystal growth experience, preferably with sapphire, YAG, spinel or other high‑melting materials.
• Hands‑on experience in the operation of high‑temperature furnaces, power supplies, vacuum systems, and infrastructure equipment.
• Experience with additional crystal growth methods or materials (e.g., Ge, Silicon, CaF 2, KNS) is highly desirable.

• Good command of crystal growth principles, materials science, and their application to crystal growth technology in an industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of crystal growth equipment troubleshooting. Ability to rapidly identify operational, technical problems and emergencies, and to develop quick responses.
• Experience with SPC and DoE, maintaining records, preparing reports and technical summaries, and delivering internal and external presentations.
• Proficiency in CAD, preferably Solid Works.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or as part of a team, working with employees in a multicultural, global environment.
• Sets a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency.

• Job operates in production environment on 1st shift, schedule is Mon‑Fri. May occasionally work on 2nd or 3rd shift or weekends if manufacturing demands require.
• Works in areas with fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.
• Noise level – Usually loud.

• Talking:
  Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing:
  Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels.
• Reaching:
  Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Working…