Nanophotonics Engineer, Plasma Etching

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. The Company's three core products are Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world; Lens Studio, an augmented reality platform that powers AR across Snapchat and other services; and its AR glasses, Spectacles. The Spectacles team is pushing the boundaries of technology to bring people closer together in the real world. Our fifth-generation Spectacles, powered by Snap OS, showcase how standalone, see-through AR glasses make playing, learning, and working better together.

What you’ll do:

• Develop, optimise and characterise plasma etching processes such as RIE and ALE in silicon nitride and related materials and with a focus on nanophotonics devices.
• Design and execute experiments to understand etch mechanisms, selectivity, and profile control for nanoscale structures.
• Utilise process simulation tools (e.g., Coventorware, Sentaurus, SEMuator 3D or similar) to model and predict etch behaviour and support interpretation of results.
• Work with internal and external partners to develop recipes and bring up materials for associated processes such as nanoimprint lithography, magnetron sputtering, PECVD, etc.
• Employ a range of metrology techniques (e.g., SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, reflectometry) for in-depth characterisation of material properties and measurement of nanoscale geometry.
• Analyse experimental data, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to improve the process and device performance.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams as well as external partners to integrate the etch processes with the overall waveguide manufacturing flow.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and process specifications in detail.
• Identify opportunities to optimise or even develop materials, tools, and processes for scaling towards mass manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong theoretical understanding of plasma physics and chemistry related to dry etching.
• Knowledge of both standard and novel materials for photonic applications along with a deep understanding of advanced nanofabrication processes and integrating them in a coherent manner.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new challenges.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and reasoning skills.
• Ability to prioritise duties, work autonomously, and feed into a larger roadmap.
• A basic understanding of the fundamentals and operating principles of optics and photonics devices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in electronics, physics, nanotechnology, or a similar discipline with 3+ years of relevant postdoc or industry experience.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining plasma etch equipment (e.g., ICP-RIE, RIE systems).
• Experience with process simulation software for etch modelling.
• Strong background and hands-on experience with nanofabrication tools and processes (nano-imprint, E-beam, and optical lithography, deposition techniques, etc.) and metrology techniques (AFM, FIB-SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, etc.).
• Strong background in data analysis and visualisation (Matlab, Scientific Python, JMP, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant postdoc or industry experience with a proven track record of delivering complex programmes with multiple interdependencies and stakeholders.
• Experience with a range of material characterisation tools and techniques such as FTIR, TGA, GC/MS, EDX, and XRD.

We offer a competitive salary range £77,000 - £96,000, which is commensurate with your qualifications and experience and the level of this role. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain top talent in the industry. This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don’t be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a "default together" approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we’ve got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programmes, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap’s long-term success!