About The Position
Semtech is at the heart of the infrastructure powering the next generation of AI, cloud computing, and high-speed optical networks. Our Semtech Photonics Products (SPP) division develops advanced III-V compound semiconductor devices — lasers, modulators, and photodetectors — that sit at the core of the world's most demanding optical communications platforms. The engineers and scientists who build them don't just solve problems, they anticipate them. We are building an exceptional team across the full photonics product lifecycle — from epitaxial growth and process development through device integration, test, and manufacturing. Whether your strength is materials science, semiconductor fabrication, lithography, MOCVD, test engineering, or equipment and automation, there is a role here where your expertise has direct and visible impact. This is not a role where you maintain what already exists. This is a role where you help define what comes next in photonics. Depending on your background and interests, you may align to one of our core disciplines: Epitaxial Growth & MOCVD — developing and optimizing III-V epitaxial structures using MOCVD systems for laser, modulator, and photodetector devices; roles span operator, engineer, and scientist levels Process Development & Integration — designing, qualifying, and integrating semiconductor process modules from concept through production; owning cross-functional process interactions and yield improvement Lithography & Mask Layout — defining and optimizing photolithography processes and mask strategies for advanced compound semiconductor device fabrication Backend Process Engineering — developing and scaling backend wafer processing including metallization, passivation, and dicing Test Engineering & Operations — building test strategy, driving yield optimization, and owning data-driven quality at production scale; roles span operator, process, and development levels Equipment, Maintenance & Automation — keeping our fabrication environment running at peak performance and developing automation solutions that scale our capabilities R&D Science — leading fundamental and applied research into next-generation photonic materials, structures, and device concepts Quality & Operations — ensuring long-term process and product integrity, planning, and supporting the operational infrastructure that keeps the line moving Marketing & Business Development — technically fluent roles that shape product vision, roadmap, and customer engagement in the photonics market
Requirements
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field; Ph.D. strongly preferred for R&D Scientist and Senior R&D Scientist roles
- Hands-on experience in a compound semiconductor, photonics, or cleanroom fabrication environment
- A bias toward solving problems rather than describing them
- Comfort working at the intersection of research, process development, and manufacturing
- Strong communication skills — you can work across device design, process, and test teams with equal clarity
- Curiosity about how the full device and system works, not just your slice of it
- Familiarity with III-V materials (InP, GaAs, GaN), MOCVD, or photonic device fabrication is a strong asset depending on the role
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
