Wet Etch Process Engineer

Coherent • Sherman, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Develop and optimize wet etch processes for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge-emitting lasers on GaAs and InP substrates. Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and undercut management to meet stringent device performance criteria. Utilize metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, and optical interferometry for process characterization and defect analysis. Troubleshoot etch process deviations, material compatibility issues, and surface roughness effects, implementing corrective actions to ensure high device yield and process stability. Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow. Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process monitoring and continuous improvement. Evaluate and qualify new wet etch chemistries, process automation techniques, and etch equipment to enhance process capabilities. Develop and document etch process recipes, SOPs, failure analysis reports, and best practices for knowledge sharing and training. Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in wet etch process development for optoelectronic applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wet etch process development, particularly for GaAs and InP-based optoelectronic devices.
• Strong expertise in wet etch chemistry, selectivity optimization, surface roughness control, and etch stop layers.
• Hands-on experience with metrology techniques such as SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, and XRD for process verification and defect analysis.
• Deep understanding of etching challenges for VCSELs, photodiodes, and EMLs, including precise mesa formation, sidewall passivation, and optical performance impact.
• Proficiency in SPC, DOE, and data-driven process optimization.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including device engineers, production teams, and R&D groups.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing or advanced R&D prototyping for optoelectronic devices.
• Familiarity with chemical safety, fume hood operations, and waste disposal protocols for semiconductor wet etch processing.
• Familiarity with automation (SECS/GEM), scripting, or AI-driven process control, including FDC and APC.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical project management, process transfers, and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize wet etch processes for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge-emitting lasers on GaAs and InP substrates.
• Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and undercut management to meet stringent device performance criteria.
• Utilize metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, and optical interferometry for process characterization and defect analysis.
• Troubleshoot etch process deviations, material compatibility issues, and surface roughness effects, implementing corrective actions to ensure high device yield and process stability.
• Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow.
• Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and qualify new wet etch chemistries, process automation techniques, and etch equipment to enhance process capabilities.
• Develop and document etch process recipes, SOPs, failure analysis reports, and best practices for knowledge sharing and training.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in wet etch process development for optoelectronic applications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree