Semtech Engineering Talent (Multiple Disciplines) | Photonics & Compound Semiconductor Solutions

Location: USA - Alhambra, CA

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Location: Various roles in Alhambra, CA

About Semtech

Semtech is at the heart of the infrastructure powering the next generation of AI, cloud computing, and high-speed optical networks. Our Semtech Photonics Products (SPP) division develops advanced III-V compound semiconductor devices — lasers, modulators, and photodetectors — that sit at the core of the world's most demanding optical communications platforms. The engineers and scientists who build them don't just solve problems, they anticipate them.

The Opportunity

We are building an exceptional team across the full photonics product lifecycle — from epitaxial growth and process development through device integration, test, and manufacturing. Whether your strength is materials science, semiconductor fabrication, lithography, MOCVD, test engineering, or equipment and automation, there is a role here where your expertise has direct and visible impact.

This is not a role where you maintain what already exists. This is a role where you help define what comes next in photonics.

What You'll Be Part Of

Depending on your background and interests, you may align to one of our core disciplines:

• Epitaxial Growth & MOCVD — developing and optimizing III-V epitaxial structures using MOCVD systems for laser, modulator, and photodetector devices; roles span operator, engineer, and scientist levels

• Process Development & Integration — designing, qualifying, and integrating semiconductor process modules from concept through production; owning cross-functional process interactions and yield improvement

• Lithography & Mask Layout — defining and optimizing photolithography processes and mask strategies for advanced compound semiconductor device fabrication

• Backend Process Engineering — developing and scaling backend wafer processing including metallization, passivation, and dicing

• Test Engineering & Operations — building test strategy, driving yield optimization, and owning data-driven quality at production scale; roles span operator, process, and development levels

• Equipment, Maintenance & Automation — keeping our fabrication environment running at peak performance and developing automation solutions that scale our capabilities

• R&D Science — leading fundamental and applied research into next-generation photonic materials, structures, and device concepts

• Quality & Operations — ensuring long-term process and product integrity, planning, and supporting the operational infrastructure that keeps the line moving

• Marketing & Business Development — technically fluent roles that shape product vision, roadmap, and customer engagement in the photonics market

What We're Looking For

Across all disciplines, the people who thrive here share a common profile:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field; Ph.D. strongly preferred for R&D Scientist and Senior R&D Scientist roles

• Hands-on experience in a compound semiconductor, photonics, or cleanroom fabrication environment

• A bias toward solving problems rather than describing them

• Comfort working at the intersection of research, process development, and manufacturing

• Strong communication skills — you can work across device design, process, and test teams with equal clarity

• Curiosity about how the full device and system works, not just your slice of it

• Familiarity with III-V materials (InP, GaAs, GaN), MOCVD, or photonic device fabrication is a strong asset depending on the role

What Happens Next

Share your resume and tell us a little about yourself. It helps us make sure we connect you with the right opportunity and the right people. A real person from Semtech will reach out — no automated responses, no generic form letters. If there's a potential fit, we'll start with a relaxed conversation. No formal interview pressure, just two people getting to know each other. When things look promising, we'll connect you directly with a senior leader from the SPP team you'd be joining. When the fit is right for everyone, welcome aboard — let's get to work building what comes next in photonics.

Why Semtech Photonics Products

The problems we work on matter. The platforms our devices enable — 400G/800G optical transceivers, AI infrastructure, next-generation data center interconnects — are the backbone of the modern internet. The teams we work in are collaborative by design. And the culture we've built is one where technical excellence is respected, curiosity is rewarded, and your work shows up in systems that run the world.

When our customers win, we all win — and that starts with the scientists and engineers who make it possible.

Semtech is an equal opportunity employer committed to building diverse and inclusive teams.

Please Note: This is an evergreen job posting used for general resume collection purposes for upcoming hiring needs. It does not represent a single active or immediate job opening. We review submissions on an ongoing basis and will reach out if your experience aligns with a current or future opportunity within Semtech Photonics Products.