Epitaxy Process Development Engineer

Location: United Kingdom - Towcester Northamptonshire

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) is a global leader in optical and photonic technologies that power the networks and infrastructure behind AI, cloud computing, and next-generation communications. Built on decades of photonics innovation, Lumentum delivers high-performance lasers, modules, and optical subsystems that enable scalable, energy-efficient data center connectivity, advanced telecom networks, industrial manufacturing, and sensing applications. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the company operates R&D, manufacturing, and sales facilities worldwide. Learn more at www.lumentum.com.

Process Development Engineer (Epitaxy – III-V / MOCVD):
Responsible for the development, optimisation, and control of epitaxial growth processes for III-V semiconductor devices, with a strong emphasis on MOCVD (Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition). The role involves defining process parameters, improving yield and performance, and supporting high-volume manufacturing in a cleanroom environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on III-V epitaxial growth processes, with a focus on MOCVD systems.
• Develop, optimise, and sustain epitaxy processes for III-V materials (e.g., GaAs, InP-based structures).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using SPC and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance yield, uniformity, and device performance.
• Define and control critical process parameters (e.g., temperature, gas flow, pressure) for MOCVD growth.
• Support troubleshooting and fault-finding of epitaxy tools and processes, particularly MOCVD reactors.
• Analyse and interpret process and metrology data to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Support and implement new process introductions (NPI) into manufacturing.
• Prepare and review technical documentation to support wafer fabrication and epitaxy teams.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering teams on tool optimisation, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings including yield reviews, chip reviews, and process handovers.
• Mentor engineers and technicians to strengthen epitaxy and MOCVD knowledge within the team.  
• Ensure compliance with cleanroom protocols, safety, and environmental procedures.

Key Relationships

• Manufacturing Operations Team
• Epitaxy Equipment Engineering Team
• Epitaxy Process Engineering Team
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Team

Qualifications

• Degree in Semiconductor Physics, Materials Science, Electronic Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience in III-V semiconductor processing, with a strong focus on epitaxy.
• Proven experience operating and developing MOCVD processes in a production or R&D environment.
• Demonstrated experience in process engineering and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, SPC).

Skills

Essential

• Strong expertise in III-V semiconductor materials and epitaxial growth mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with MOCVD equipment and process development.
• Solid understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and cleanroom practices.
• Experience with vacuum systems and computer-controlled processing equipment.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and concepts such as SPC, scheduling, and rework procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in process optimisation and yield improvement.
• Competent with data analysis tools and Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Experience with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) fabrication.
• Familiarity with additional epitaxy techniques (e.g., MBE).
• Experience scaling processes from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work in a cleanroom environment (full PPE required).
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Standard working hours (9am–5pm), with flexibility for overtime and occasional shift work as required. 

Lumentum is committed to equal opportunities and actively seeks applications from all sectors of the community irrespective of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, having responsibility for dependents, age, religion/beliefs, or any other reason which cannot be shown to be justified.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.