Senior Engineering Technician

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. 

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.

The Epitaxy Engineering Technician supports wafer fabrication operations by monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing epitaxial growth processes. This role partners closely with process engineers, equipment technicians, and production teams to ensure process stability, high yield, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, data-driven, adaptable to a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and an effective communicator.

 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

The position involves supporting MOCVD process engineers involving operation of InP-based MOCVD Aixtron growth systems and associated characterization equipment, including Bruker XRD, Nanometrics RPM PL tools, Surfscan, Hall, Polaron, and optical microscope equipment. Particular emphasis is placed on following precise procedures for safe and effective production and engineering work. 

• Support daily epitaxy process operations within the wafer fabrication facility
• Monitor process performance using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and respond to out-of-control conditions
• Collect, analyze, and trend process data to identify deviations, root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Execute and document process qualifications, engineering experiments, and development runs
• Assist with tool setup, recipe management, and implementation of approved process changes
• Perform and maintain weekly standards and routine checks for metrology and characterization tools
• Collaborate with process engineers to troubleshoot yield, uniformity, thickness, and defect-related issues
• Maintain accurate documentation, logs, and reports in compliance with fab procedures and quality requirements
• Effectively prioritize tasks to support production schedules and engineering deadlines
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and maintenance
• Adhere to all safety, cleanroom, chemical handling, and contamination control protocols

Education & Experience

• AA degree or higher with 3-5 years experience
• 2 years minimum hands-on experience with operation of computer-controlled and manual vacuum processing equipment such as MOCVD, PECVD, ICP, etc.
• 2 years minimum hands-on experience with handling InP wafers
• 2 years minimum hands-on experience with wet chemical processing

Skills

• InP wafer handling
• Work in a systematic and organized way
• Hands-on, roll up sleeves attitude
• Clear and efficient communication and documentation skills
• Team player
• Optional: Certified or able to obtain Hazmat Technician certification

Working Conditions

• Alternating 3/4 days/week 12 hour work schedule 
  • 5 pm to 5 am – Wed, Thursday, Friday, every other Saturday.
• Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work effectively in cleanroom environments
• Able to stand and work for most of the workday
• Able to pass yearly physical and SCBA respirator mask fit test for respiratory safety

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

 

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or