Laser Engineer

Job Description

Semiconductor Engineer - Lasers

Location: Santa Barbara, California

Full time On-site

We are looking for a hands-on engineer to join a team developing advanced high power semiconductor laser technology.

This is an opportunity to work across device characterization, test development, semiconductor fabrication and laser packaging. You'll play an important role in building the laboratory infrastructure, equipment and processes needed to test, characterize and improve next-generation laser devices.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, can take ownership of practical engineering challenges and is comfortable moving between different activities in a fast paced lab environment.

The Role

You'll work closely with engineering teams across the development and testing process, with responsibilities including:

• Designing, building and commissioning test and characterization stations from the ground up.
• Selecting, integrating and configuring instrumentation, control software and data acquisition systems.
• Performing electrical and optical testing of semiconductor devices and laser components.
• Operating probe stations and supporting device-level testing and characterization.
• Supporting laser packaging, assembly and reliability activities.
• Working with mask layout tools and understanding how device designs translate into fabrication requirements.
• Supporting cleanroom and fabrication activities, working across different teams as required.
• Developing and maintaining SOPs, equipment documentation, station notes, mask-design notes and technical data reports.

Experience Needed

• 1-4 years of hands on engineering experience in semiconductor devices, lasers, photonics, optoelectronics or a comparable hardware-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building or commissioning test benches, instrumentation setups or automated characterization stations.
• Practical experience integrating laboratory equipment, control software and data capture systems. Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW or similar tools is beneficial.
• Familiarity with mask layout software such as KLayout, L-Edit, Cadence Virtuoso, Tanner or equivalent.
• An understanding of semiconductor device design, lithography and how mask layouts translate into fabrication processes.
• Experience operating probe stations, semiconductor testing equipment or packaging equipment, or a strong ability to develop these skills quickly.
• Comfortable working hands-on in a laboratory or cleanroom environment.
• Strong written communication skills and a disciplined approach to technical documentation.

We are open to different engineering backgrounds, including electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical engineering and applied physics. Practical experience and the ability to work directly with hardware are more important than having a specific degree title.

The Opportunity

You'll join a growing engineering team working on advanced laser technology, with the opportunity to take ownership of laboratory equipment, test infrastructure and device characterization as the technology develops.

This is particularly suited to someone who enjoys solving practical engineering problems, building things from scratch and seeing their work translate directly into hardware and test results.

Candidates must qualify as ‘US persons’ in accordance with ITAR requirements.