Photonics Process Integration Expert

We are looking for an experienced Photonics Process Integration Expert to lead the industrialisation of an advanced integrated photonics platform and support its transition from prototype development into high-volume manufacturing (HVM).

This is a senior, hands-on role focused on photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor process technology, heterogeneous integration and foundry manufacturing.

The platform combines Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) with silicon photonics through heterogeneous integration and has already been demonstrated at prototype level. The key objective of this role is to take the technology towards high-volume manufacturing at partner fabs and foundries.

What You’ll Do

Foundry & Fab Engagement

• Lead technical discussions with multiple fabs and foundries to transfer the heterogeneous photonics platform into high-volume manufacturing processes.
• Assess process compatibility and determine how TFLN and silicon photonics processes can be integrated with existing manufacturing infrastructure.
• Own the technical roadmap for process evaluation, technology transfer and qualification.
• Lead risk assessments, gap analyses and manufacturing-readiness activities.
• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with external manufacturing partners.

Research & Technology Collaboration

• Initiate and technically manage research collaborations with leading research institutes and technology partners.
• Coordinate joint development activities that accelerate the maturation of the photonic process towards volume manufacturing.
• Support continued process innovation and development of IP around heterogeneous photonic integration.

Photonic Process Technology Ownership

• Provide deep technical expertise across the PIC and semiconductor process flow.
• Work closely with photonic design and engineering teams to evolve the platform according to performance and customer requirements.
• Take ownership of critical BEOL metallisation, wafer/die bonding and heterogeneous integration processes.
• Drive process development from initial experiments through validation and qualification.
• Ensure processes converge towards agreed performance, yield, reliability and manufacturability targets.
• Document process definitions, development results, transfer plans and qualification activities.
• Align internal process requirements with external manufacturing and equipment roadmaps.

What We’re Looking For

• MSc or PhD in Photonics, Microelectronics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in photonic or semiconductor process technology.
• Strong understanding of PIC and semiconductor process steps.
• Demonstrated expertise in BEOL/metallisation and bonding technologies.
• Experience with heterogeneous integration and/or advanced semiconductor integration.
• Experience working directly with fabs, foundries, semiconductor manufacturers or research institutes.
• Experience managing technology transfer, process development or industrialisation projects.
• Knowledge of silicon photonics and TFLN is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and lead technically complex activities across organisational boundaries.
• Strong communication skills with internal teams, suppliers, fabs and research partners.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to fab and partner sites.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Direct experience with Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN).
• Experience with silicon photonics platforms.
• Experience in heterogeneous photonic integration.
• Strong knowledge of wafer/die bonding and BEOL metallisation.
• Experience transferring photonic or semiconductor processes from R&D/prototype environments into manufacturing.
• Experience with yield analysis, process variation and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Ability to simulate or model the impact of process variations on device performance.
• Experience managing collaborative R&D programmes with universities, research institutes or technology partners.

Why This Role?

• Take ownership of the industrialisation of an advanced TFLN-silicon photonics platform.
• Work directly with leading fabs, foundries and research partners.
• Help move next-generation photonic technology from prototype to high-volume manufacturing.
• Work at the intersection of TFLN, silicon photonics, heterogeneous integration and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Play a key role in shaping the future process and manufacturing roadmap of a fast-growing deep-tech technology.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Sindi Ngubane