Process Engineer - Semiconductor Processes

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company’s unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.

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Role Overview

We are looking for a Process Engineer to support the development, stabilization and industrialization of our semiconductor fabrication processes.

At our current stage of maturity, this position combines advanced process development, hands-on R&D and manufacturing engineering. The Process Engineer will play a key role in bridging the gap between Advanced R&D and Production, transforming newly developed process building blocks into robust, repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.

The role will have a strong focus on dry etching processes, particularly ICP and RIE, as well as PECVD and metal evaporation. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D teams, fabrication engineers, equipment owners and cleanroom operators to improve process capability, reproducibility, yield and production throughput.

This is a highly hands-on position requiring a strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication, rigorous experimental methodology and the ability to investigate complex interactions between process parameters and device performance.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development & Industrialization

Develop, optimize and stabilize semiconductor fabrication processes, with a primary focus on ICP / RIE dry etching, PECVD deposition and metal evaporation.

Validate and qualify new fabrication equipment and associated processes.

Define process windows, recipes, operating conditions and acceptance criteria.

Use structured experimentation, including Design of Experiments (DoE) where appropriate, to understand process sensitivities and optimize performance.

Improve process repeatability, reproducibility, robustness and within-wafer / wafer-to-wafer homogeneity.

Prepare processes and equipment for increasing wafer sizes, batch sizes and production volumes.

R&D to Production Transfer

Act as a key technical interface between Advanced R&D and Production.

Convert R&D process building blocks into stable, documented and manufacturable processes.

Assess manufacturability, scalability and process risks before transfer to production.

Define qualification plans and acceptance criteria before releasing new or modified processes to production.

Lead or contribute to Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for critical fabrication steps, identifying potential failure modes, their effects on device performance and appropriate prevention and control measures.

Translate PFMEA outcomes into process controls, monitoring plans, acceptance criteria, Control Plans and documentation.

Support technology transfer through clear documentation, operator training and technical communication.

Process Control & Yield Improvement

Monitor and improve production process performance, yield and throughput.

Establish regular process checks, controls and monitoring methodologies, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) where relevant.

Detect process drifts, investigate deviations and define corrective and preventive actions.

Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting activities for yield losses, process excursions and equipment-related issues.

Define and maintain relevant process KPIs and contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives.

Promote best practices that increase process stability, repeatability and equipment utilization.

Equipment & Production Support

Provide hands-on technical support to cleanroom operators and production teams.

Support equipment qualification, troubleshooting and process recovery following equipment interventions.

Work closely with equipment suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical issues.

Contribute to a safe, disciplined and efficient cleanroom environment.

Process Characterization & Data Analysis

Characterize the impact of fabrication parameters on material and device performance.

Correlate process data with structural, optical and electrical characterization results.

Use experimental data to identify process sensitivities, failure mechanisms and optimization opportunities.

Develop appropriate data-analysis tools to support process monitoring and engineering decisions.

Search and analyze scientific and technical literature to support process development and troubleshooting.

Documentation & Communication

Create and maintain high-quality process documentation, including process specifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), equipment recipes, qualification reports, Control Plans, process-development reports and troubleshooting guides.

Ensure frequent and clear reporting of process status, experimental results, risks and improvement actions.

Communicate effectively with colleagues from different technical backgrounds and levels of experience.

Train and support operators and other team members on new or updated processes.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Experience

Master's degree or PhD in Semiconductor Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Micro/Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Hands-on experience with semiconductor or photonic-device fabrication in a cleanroom environment.

Strong knowledge of dry etching, ideally including hands-on experience with ICP-RIE.

Experience with one or more complementary processes such as RIE, PECVD, physical vapor deposition / metal evaporation and lithography.

Strong understanding of how fabrication parameters can influence material properties and device performance.

Excellent attention to detail and a rigorous approach to experimental work.

Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.

Ability to independently investigate technical problems using experimental data and scientific literature.

Strong communication and documentation skills.

Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a semiconductor manufacturing, pilot-line or production environment.

Experience with process industrialization and transfer from R&D to production.

Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, DoE or other structured process-risk and continuous-improvement methodologies.

Experience with optical and electrical characterization of semiconductor or optoelectronic devices.

Experience with III-V semiconductor devices, particularly AlGaAs-based photonic structures, resonators or VCSEL-type technologies.

Knowledge of Python or other programming languages for process-data analysis, automated reporting, instrument control or experimental automation.

Profile

We are looking for someone who combines the mindset of an R&D engineer with the rigor of a manufacturing/process engineer.

The ideal candidate is comfortable developing new processes where all parameters are not yet fully understood, while also being able to transform experimental processes into stable, controlled and documented production workflows.

You should enjoy working directly in the cleanroom, analyzing data, solving complex fabrication problems and collaborating across R&D and production teams.

Benefits

• •Competitive salary, flexible based on your experience
• •Profit-sharing & company savings plan
• •100% health coverage (Alan)
• •50% transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus
• •Meal vouchers (Swile), Gymlib fitness support
• •Childcare assistance & referral bonuses (€1,000–€2,000)

What we offer:

• •A meaningful role with real ownership, from day one
• •A team eager to collaborate and grow with you
• •Daily exposure to t