Chief Scientist​/Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit Process Development

Overview

QPICs, Inc. is driving the new frontier of photonic devices and systems: smaller, lighter, and more power efficient. The company focuses on rapid R&D and development to deliver high-fidelity photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices with fast delivery times, enabling developers to prototype and scale. The initiatives cover platforms with silicon nitride, thin-film lithium niobate, and other materials to support nonlinear and electro-optical properties, with applications across quantum computing, sensors, communications, LIDAR, and AR/VR displays.

This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the direction of the company including fabrication processes, intellectual property, market sectors, and customer engagements.

QPICs, Inc. seeks a highly motivated Integrated Photonics Process Scientist/Engineer to lead the development and implementation of fast-turn fabrication processes for cutting-edge PICs. The role includes the design, implementation, and qualification of PIC fabrication processes, plus selection and qualification of the tools needed to deliver these processes. A key challenge is to develop processes and design a path toward higher-scale foundries.

The candidate will work with multiple photonic platforms and help advance process development, materials integration, and transitions to larger-scale manufacturing.

Location:

Quantum Commons campus, Arvada, Colorado. The first year will involve travel and remote work to support startup-phase operations.

• Develop and optimize fast-turn fabrication processes for PICs and establish a path to high-volume manufacturing.
• Develop process characterization, optimization, and troubleshooting methods; create process monitors and test structures for critical quality parameters.
• Develop metrology and inspection procedures (wafer-level and in-process tests) and establish correlations with device performance data.
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including flow descriptions, quality specifications, control charts, and yield reports.
• Collaborate with photonic and electronic designers, system engineers, and packaging teams to translate designs into manufacturable processes.
• Develop elements of the process design kit (PDK), characterize process variability, and drive improvements in parameters such as transmission and insertion losses and power handling.
• Coordinate with internal fab assets and partner facilities to ensure process compatibility and efficient production flow.
• Support development of fabrication platforms for additional materials and devices, including MEMS and electronics integration as needed.
• Contribute to process characterization and metrology using techniques such as SEM, AFM, spectral analysis, and ellipsometry.
• Track record of delivering unique devices and systems in fast-paced R&D environments.

• Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or related fields.
• Deep experience in microfabrication for photonics, process integration, materials properties, and management of heterogeneous bonding between wafers and chips is valued.
• Experience with lithography, etching, deposition, and related processing; device design experience is valued.
• Experience with photonics simulation tools for test structure design and customer design interfacing.
• Experience with process characterization and metrology techniques (SEM, AFM, spectral analysis, ellipsometry).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Quantum Commons campus, Arvada, Colorado. Initial travel and remote work required in the first year to support startup operations.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter indicating your enthusiasm for the role, understanding of the challenges, and how your experience aligns with the duties of this position.

Website:

Contact: Chris Myatt, QPICs, Inc.

Email:

Phone: