Senior Process Engineer Epitaxy

About This Position
At the forefront of Europe's photonics innovation, TNO is building a state-of-the-art pilot line for Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic chips at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. As part of the EU-funded PIXEurope program, this pilot line will enable the transition from groundbreaking research to large-scale industrial manufacturing, making advanced photonic technologies faster, more reliable, and widely accessible. To make this ambitious step a reality, we are looking for a Senior Process Engineer Epitaxy. In this role, you will play a key role in developing and optimizing the critical processes that drive our pilot line. With your expertise, you will help build Europe's next-generation capability in integrated photonics, ensuring that innovation is translated into stable, scalable, and high-yield production.

What will be your role?
As Senior Process Engineer Epitaxy, you are responsible for developing, optimizing, and managing epitaxy processes (MOCVD) for 6-inch Indium Phosphide wafer manufacturing. Working in a high-tech cleanroom environment, you ensure process stability, yield improvement, and smooth release of 6-inch wafer processes on advanced equipment. You collaborate closely with R&D, equipment engineers, and quality assurance to bridge the gap between innovation and industrial manufacturing.

Key responsibilities include

• Developing and improving epitaxy and related manufacturing processes.
• Qualify and release 6-inch wafer processes on installed epitaxy tools.
• Analyzing process data, performing root cause analyses, and applying statistical methods (SPC, FMEA, DoE).
• Supporting wafer manufacturing operations by troubleshooting and preventing disruptions.
• Ensuring process stability and quality across production lines.
• Taking ownership of improvements projects and the introduction of new epitaxy tools and processes.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (R&D, Equipment, QA) and reporting progress to management.
• Creating and maintaining work instructions and process documentation, conducting audits, and implementing best practices.
• Mentoring junior engineers, acting as a sparring partner for lead engineers, and representing process engineering when needed.

What We Expect From You
You are a process engineer with strong analytical skills, a hands-on mindset, and a passion for translating advanced technology into robust industrial processes. You thrive in a cleanroom environment, enjoy solving complex challenges, and are motivated by the opportunity to shape Europe's future in integrated photonics.

You Also Bring The Following Qualifications

• A completed MSc or BSc degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience with semiconductor or photonic process engineering in wafer manufacturing/cleanroom environments.
• Strong knowledge of epitaxy processes (MOCVD, MBE) and related semiconductor processing steps.
• Experience in process optimization, statistical methods (SPC, FMEA, DoE), and yield improvement.
• The ability to troubleshoot, resolve process issues, and ensure production continuity.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including project leadership, introduction of new processes/tools, and mentoring of junior colleagues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive and problem-solving mindset, with attention to detail and quality.

What You'll Get In Return
Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues . That's how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read More About Tailoring Your Benefits Package.
TNO as an employer
At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow's world. Read more about TNO as an employer .

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion .

The selection process
The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.