Associate Process Development Scientist Jobs in Houston, TX

We are seeking an experienced MOCVD Process Engineer to support the growth and development of advanced semiconductor materials used in photonics, optical communications, and laser-based products. This role is responsible for operating MOCVD equipment, optimizing epitaxial growth processes, troubleshooting production issues, and driving continuous process improvements to enhance yield and product quality.

• Operate Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) systems to support semiconductor wafer growth.
• Load wafers, initiate growth runs, and monitor process performance.
• Ensure recipes and process parameters are executed accurately and consistently.
• Maintain safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment.

• Grow semiconductor materials such as Indium Phosphide (InP) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs).
• Develop and optimize epitaxial growth processes for photonic and optical communication applications.
• Adjust process parameters to improve material quality, yield, and overall manufacturing performance.

• Analyze growth run data and evaluate material performance.
• Identify and resolve issues affecting process stability, product quality, or yield.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process-related issues involving:
  • Gas delivery systems
  • Vacuum systems
  • Electrical controls
  • Process performance and repeatability
• Work to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

• Record process data, experimental results, and production metrics.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support quality and continuous improvement initiatives through accurate reporting and analysis.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting MOCVD equipment.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor materials, particularly InP and GaAs.
• Experience with epitaxial growth processes and semiconductor wafer manufacturing.
• Understanding of process control, yield improvement, and manufacturing optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in photonics, fiber optic communications, optical components, lasers, or telecommunications industries.
• Familiarity with semiconductor process development and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.

• MOCVD
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Epitaxial Growth
• Indium Phosphide (InP)
• Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
• Photonics
• Fiber Optics
• Optical Components
• Lasers
• Telecommunications
• Process Development
• Yield Improvement

Experience Level: Expert

This is a Contract position based out of Sugar Land, TX.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sugar Land,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.