About Finchetto
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
We are looking for a Senior Photonics Process Engineer to lead the development of cleanroom
nanofabrication processes for manufacturing integrated photonics components on 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:
• Operating cleanroom fabrication equipment
• Manufacturing and characterizing optical nanostructures
• Analysing and interpreting characterization data of optical semiconductor structures.
Please note that this role requires you to be based in Wales:
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. This includes:
eBeam lithography, ICP-RIE, eBeam 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 eBeam lithography and the 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 process that can scale up to
large volume. Iterate and optimize fabrication processes accordingly.
• Analyze characterization results, communicate findings to 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 fiber alignment for fiber-to-chip characterisation.
Application Process
We value innovation, curiosity, and a drive to make things work. If you’re
excited by complex challenges and want to help define the future of photonics, we’d love to hear from you.
