Research Engineer

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Job Summary

The Research Engineer will be responsible for two main areas of focus: the development of a thermal laser epitaxy system for the Minnich Lab, and leading process development support and industry relations for the Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI).

For the Minnich Lab, the Research Engineer will lead the design, planning, and technical coordination of InP HEMT development. The role involves developing and planning the layouts for multi-finger transistor geometries, working in a cleanroom environment, and optimizing critical device modules for high-yield, low-noise transistor performance. This position combines hands-on engineering, experimental research support, and operational management of laboratory resources.

For the KNI, the Research Engineer will provide technical direction and process guidance for its lab users, as well as engage in direct outreach to current and prospective industry users to promote the shared user facility's resources. The role will involve periodic travel to events where the Research Engineer represents the KNI and serves as a resource for technical questions.
Essential Job Duties
Minnich Lab:

• Design, planning, and technical coordination of InP HEMT development, including mask/layout planning for multi-finger transistor geometries, process-flow definition, design-rule development, fabrication run planning, documentation, and coordination with faculty, students, collaborators, and cleanroom staff.
• Develop and execute cleanroom fabrication processes for InP HEMT devices, including electron-beam and optical lithography, gate-recess patterning, III-V wet and dry etching, ohmic/gate/pad metallization, dielectric passivation, airbridge fabrication, electroplated gold interconnects, resist strip/cleaning optimization, and process troubleshooting.
• Optimize and debug critical device fabrication modules for high-yield, low-noise transistor performance, with emphasis on gate-recess control, surface preparation, lithographic residue removal, cap-layer etching, device isolation, passivation, plated airbridges, and compatibility of photoresists, seed layers, and plating chemistries with InP HEMT process integration.
• Perform electrical, microwave, and cryogenic characterization of fabricated HEMTs and test structures, including DC I-V measurements, contact resistance and process-control monitoring, RF S-parameter measurements, low-temperature device testing, noise-relevant characterization, data analysis, and feedback of measurement results into device design and process optimization.

Kavli Nanoscience Institute:

• Lead outreach efforts to new and existing industrial/for-profit customers. Promote the KNI Laboratory as a solution for full-service work and/or full membership for nanofabrication and characterization needs, particularly pertaining to semiconductor manufacturing, optics, defense, AI, and hardware industries.
• Represent the KNI at technical and professional conferences, engage with attendees, and drive awareness of the core capabilities of the KNI Laboratory to potential customers and collaborators. Engage with attendees and organizers to find "best fit" for the KNI within the organizations. Research the existing and emerging landscape of technologies relevant to the KNI to find opportunities to grow its footprint and external user base.
• Provide process development guidance for current academic and external lab users of the KNI Laboratory to facilitate their onboarding in the cleanroom. Meet one-on-one with new or current users to understand their research goals and help them develop procedures for carrying out their projects.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the equipment and capabilities in the KNI Laboratory, stay apprised of technical advancements, and advocate for adding or adopting new techniques that users will benefit from. Represent the KNI on-campus and proactively engage with current or potential research groups that may benefit from the KNI's shared user facility and resources.
• Work with KNI leadership on miscellaneous projects, including but not limited to industry and technical speaker series. Host lab tours for prospective commercial customers when needed.
• Some domestic travel required (2-4 times per year).

Basic Qualifications

• Education: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a closely related engineering or scientific field.
• Experience: Several years of hands-on experience in research engineering, scientific instrumentation development, or advanced laboratory environments. Understanding of academic shared-user facilities for nanofabrication.
• Engineering Knowledge: Strong understanding of InP HEMT devices and fabrication processes, including electrical, microwave, and cryogenic characterization.
• Experimental Skills: Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments involving advanced materials processing or characterization.
• Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for complex electromechanical and optical systems.
• Collaboration and Communication: Ability to work effectively independently and with multidisciplinary research teams and communicate technical information clearly with people who have varying levels of experience. Comfortable engaging in conversation and public speaking.
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, particularly related to lasers, vacuum systems, electrical systems, and hazardous materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Extensive experience in electron beam lithography.
• Experience working in the KNI Laboratory or other shared user facilities for nanofabrication.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$80,000 to $112,700 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.


As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io.