Senior Process Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Senior Process Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization at TNO in Eindhoven!

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 help realize this ambitious step, we are looking for a Senior Process Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization. In this role, you will develop, optimize, and industrialize wet etching and metallization processes that are critical for back-end integration of InP-based photonic chips. With your expertise in metallization, material analysis, and automated wet processing, you ensure that innovative research is translated into robust, scalable, and high-yield manufacturing processes.

What will be your role?

As Senior Process Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization, you are responsible for process development, optimization, and industrialization in a high-tech cleanroom environment. You focus on wet etch and metallization processes for III/V semiconductors, enabling reliable back-end integration and wafer-scale manufacturing. By working closely with R&D, equipment engineering, and QA teams, you ensure stable production, continuous yield improvement, and successful technology transfer into the pilot line.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, qualifying, and optimizing automated wet etching processes for III/V semiconductors in a 6-inch wafer manufacturing environment.
• Optimizing and industrializing metallization and back-end integration processes, including lift-off and electroplating processes.
• Driving automation and robustness of wet etch processes to ensure reproducibility and high yield.
• Performing and interpreting in-depth material analysis to support process development, root cause analysis, and failure investigation.
• Analyzing process data, conducting root cause analyses, and applying statistical methods such as SPC, FMEA, and DoE.
• Supporting operators and technicians with process-related issues to ensure smooth continuation of wafer manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting process disruptions and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Leading process improvement projects and contributing to technology roadmaps for wet etching and metallization.
• Collaborating in cross-functional teams (R&D, Equipment, QA) and reporting progress and risks to management.
• Creating and maintaining process documentation, work instructions, and best practices.
• Mentoring junior engineers, acting as (acting) cluster lead when needed, and representing process engineering in multidisciplinary settings.

What we expect from you

You are a senior process engineer with deep expertise in wet etching and metallization for III/V semiconductor technologies. You combine hands-on process knowledge with strategic insight, leadership, and coaching skills. You thrive in an industrial cleanroom environment and are motivated to shape Europe’s future in integrated photonics.

You also bring the following qualifications:

• A PhD, MSc, or BSc degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor process engineering, preferably in an industrial wafer fab environment.
• Proven expertise in metallization and back-end integration for III/V semiconductor devices.
• Hands-on experience with wet etch process optimization, including automated wet processing systems.
• Demonstrated experience with lift-off processes and pattern transfer for metallization layers.
• Strong background in material analysis techniques and their application in process development and troubleshooting.
• Leadership experience, including roadmap development and ownership of complex process modules.
• A mentoring and coaching mindset, with experience as cluster lead or acting cluster lead.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities and stakeholders effectively.

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.
• 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

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.