Junior Photonics Process Engineer

{ “@context”: “http://schema.org”, “@type”: “JobPosting”, “title”: “Junior Photonics Process Engineer”, “description”: “

Finchetto– Cardiff University (Institute for Compound Semiconductors)

AtFinchetto,we'repioneering 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 rebuilding scalable, real-world solutions using light.

The Role

We are looking for a Photonics Process Engineer to support 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 a lab environment and a strong interest in gaining or expanding their skills and knowledge on operating cleanroom fabrication equipment and manufacturing/characterizing optical nanostructures.

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

  • Support Development: Support the development of cleanroom processes for patterning TFLN wafers, working under the guidance of an experienced senior process engineer.
  • Equipment Operation: Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures on TFLN wafers or dies, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-RIE, e-Beam evaporator, PECVD and common cleanroom tooling.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with the Finchetto core R&D team to define manufacturable lithium niobate photonic designs.
  • Characterization: Assist in characterizing TFLN wafer properties before fabrication and patterned nanostructures afterward.
  • Process Assistance: Assist in creating e-Beam pattern files and helping establish cleanroom recipes for etching and deposition processes.
  • Testing: Assist in executing the poling process for TFLN optical waveguides and building optical setups to characterize them.
  • Safety: Adhere to cleanroom safety protocols, material handling, and contamination control.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience working in a lab environment.
  • Hands-on experience in optical testing.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Background in integrated photonics (Silicon, III-V materials, TFLN, or similar).
  • Commitment to adhering to company safety policies and cleanroom protocols.

Nice to Have

  • Experience working in a cleanroom facility, specifically fabricating semiconductor optical structures.
  • Experience in manufacturing and testing TFLN integrated photonics structures.
  • Experience with poling dielectric or semiconductor structures.
  • Experience in optical fiberalignment for fiber-to-chip characterisation.

Finchetto is an equal opportunity employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-17”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Finchetto”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__435497658__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=33047” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Cardiff” } } }
Company: Finchetto
Apply for the Junior Photonics Process Engineer
Location: Cardiff
Job Description:

Finchetto– Cardiff University (Institute for Compound Semiconductors)

AtFinchetto,we’repioneering 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 rebuilding scalable, real-world solutions using light.

The Role

We are looking for a Photonics Process Engineer to support 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 a lab environment and a strong interest in gaining or expanding their skills and knowledge on operating cleanroom fabrication equipment and manufacturing/characterizing optical nanostructures.

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

  • Support Development: Support the development of cleanroom processes for patterning TFLN wafers, working under the guidance of an experienced senior process engineer.
  • Equipment Operation: Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures on TFLN wafers or dies, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-RIE, e-Beam evaporator, PECVD and common cleanroom tooling.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with the Finchetto core R&D team to define manufacturable lithium niobate photonic designs.
  • Characterization: Assist in characterizing TFLN wafer properties before fabrication and patterned nanostructures afterward.
  • Process Assistance: Assist in creating e-Beam pattern files and helping establish cleanroom recipes for etching and deposition processes.
  • Testing: Assist in executing the poling process for TFLN optical waveguides and building optical setups to characterize them.
  • Safety: Adhere to cleanroom safety protocols, material handling, and contamination control.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience working in a lab environment.
  • Hands-on experience in optical testing.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Background in integrated photonics (Silicon, III-V materials, TFLN, or similar).
  • Commitment to adhering to company safety policies and cleanroom protocols.

Nice to Have

  • Experience working in a cleanroom facility, specifically fabricating semiconductor optical structures.
  • Experience in manufacturing and testing TFLN integrated photonics structures.
  • Experience with poling dielectric or semiconductor structures.
  • Experience in optical fiberalignment for fiber-to-chip characterisation.

Finchetto is an equal opportunity employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: May 17th, 2026