Senior Photonics Process Engineer in Cardiff

At Finchetto, we're pioneering the next generation of photonic systems for networking and high-performance computing. Our mission is to push the boundaries of integrated photonics to solve complex challenges with speed, precision, and elegance. Backed by leading investors and a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and innovators, we’re building scalable, real-world solutions using light.

The role involves leading the development of cleanroom nanofabrication processes for manufacturing integrated photonics components on the Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the development and manufacturing of next-generation photonics components, which will be at the heart of the next generation of Finchetto network switch solutions.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in:

• Manufacturing and characterizing optical nanostructures
• Analysing and interpreting characterization data of optical semiconductor structures

This role is based at Finchetto’s branch office located at the Institute for Compound Semiconductors at Cardiff University, where you will have access to a state-of-the-art cleanroom nanofabrication facility. The facility features some of the most advanced equipment in the field, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-reactive ion etching, and dielectric deposition systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development of cleanroom processes for patterning TFLN wafers, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-RIE, e-Beam evaporator, PECVD, and common cleanroom tooling and equipment for sample cleaning, lithography resist deposition, metal lift-off, resist development, and wafer dicing.
• Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures on TFLN wafers or dies.
• Provide leadership and coordination to a junior engineer supporting manufacturing and characterization activities.
• Collaborate with the Finchetto core R&D team to define manufacturable lithium niobate photonic designs that meet performance requirements.
• Characterize TFLN wafer properties before fabrication.
• Create e-Beam pattern files for direct writing lithography.
• Define cleanroom recipes for etching and deposition processes.
• Characterize patterned nanostructures and validate them against the original design.
• Recommend design variations and implement process changes to close the gap between design and fabrication.
• Conduct literature searches and supplier engagements to identify feasible steps and solutions for process development.
• Develop a singulation process (scribe-and-break or deep-etching) to enable optical coupling through the sidewalls.
• Build a set-up for poling TFLN optical waveguides.
• Design electrode layout compatible with e-Beam lithography and other cleanroom equipment for manufacturability.
• Merge the poling electrode fabrication with the optical waveguide fabrication process.
• Build an optical setup to characterize non-poled and poled waveguides.
• Assess the optical performance and quality of manufactured structures.
• Identify possible paths towards repeatable and robust fabrication processes that can scale up to large volume.
• Iterate and optimize fabrication processes accordingly.
• Analyze characterization results, communicate findings to the Finchetto leadership team, and report on incremental improvement and process development changes.
• Adhere to cleanroom safety protocols, material handling, and contamination control as set by the Institute for Compound Semiconductors policy.

Qualification:

• Proven experience working in a cleanroom facility.
• Proven experience in manufacturing semiconductor optical structures.
• Hands-on experience in optical testing.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong background in integrated photonics on Silicon, or III-V materials, or TFLN or similar material platforms.
• Proficient in experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Skilled in presenting technical findings and explaining complex challenges to stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Commitment to adhering to company safety policies, including cleanroom protocols, material handling procedures, and contamination control measures.

Nice to have:

• Experience in manufacturing and testing TFLN integrated photonics structures.
• Experience in poling dielectric or semiconductor structures.
• Experience in managing or mentoring junior engineers, researchers, or technicians.
• Experience in optical fibre alignment for fibre-to-chip characterisation.