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Director Microfabrication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PHOTRONICS INC

Equipment Engineer, Cleans

Boise, ID · On-site

The Equipment Engineer for Clean Tools is responsible for the performance, reliability, and ... or advanced microfabrication manufacturing, with direct experience in photolithography or ...

nLIGHT

Product Systems Engineer

Camas, WA

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Direct optical, laser, mechanical, and/or electrical design experience preferred * Program/Project ...

nLIGHT

Product Systems Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Direct optical, laser, mechanical, and/or electrical design experience preferred * Program/Project ...

nLIGHT

Product Systems Engineer

Camas, WA

$90K - $115K/yr

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Direct optical, laser, mechanical, and/or electrical design experience preferred * Program/Project ...

nLIGHT

Product Systems Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Direct optical, laser, mechanical, and/or electrical design experience preferred * Program/Project ...

Neara

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$168 - $210/hr

Our team brings together experts in neurosurgery, AI and machine learning, microfabrication ... Reports into Senior Director, Software Engineering. This position will be based in our Manhattan ...

Draper

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$114K - $156K/yr

... across the MEMS microfabrication facility, from new product introduction to mature product ... Knowledge and direct experience in applying MIL-STD-883 test methods to DoD programs. * Experience ...

inuplands

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82.30 - $220/hr

... across the MEMS microfabrication facility, from new product introduction to mature product ... Knowledge and direct experience in applying MIL-STD-883 test methods to DoD programs.* Experience ...

Draper

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82.30 - $220/hr

... across the MEMS microfabrication facility, from new product introduction to mature product ... Knowledge and direct experience in applying MIL-STD-883 test methods to DoD programs.* Experience ...

B Capital

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Our team brings together experts in neurosurgery, AI and machine learning, microfabrication ... Reports into Senior Director, Software Engineering. This position will be based in our Manhattan ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to ...

Draper

Senior Yield Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

... across the MEMS microfabrication facility, from new product introduction to mature product ... Knowledge and direct experience in applying MIL-STD-883 test methods to DoD programs. * Experience ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

$103K - $135K/yr

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

... microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not ... Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to ...

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Director Microfabrication Engineer information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director microfabrication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director microfabrication engineer in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director microfabrication engineer do?

A Director Microfabrication Engineer leads teams in designing, developing, and optimizing processes for fabricating micro-scale devices, such as semiconductors, MEMS, or sensors. They oversee the entire microfabrication process, ensuring quality, efficiency, and innovation while managing budgets, timelines, and regulatory compliance. This role also involves collaborating with research scientists, engineers, and production staff to scale up prototypes to mass production, as well as staying current with advancements in microfabrication technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director microfabrication engineer?

To thrive as a Director Microfabrication Engineer, you need advanced expertise in microfabrication processes, semiconductor device physics, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a PhD or extensive industry experience. Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, process control systems, and tools like photolithography, etching equipment, and statistical process control software is essential. Strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic problem-solving skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure effective management of fabrication teams, innovation in process development, and high-yield production in a highly technical field.

What are some of the key challenges a director microfabrication engineer faces when leading cross-functional teams in semiconductor manufacturing?

One of the main challenges for a Director Microfabrication Engineer is effectively coordinating among diverse teams such as process engineers, equipment specialists, and R&D scientists to ensure seamless project execution. Balancing innovation with strict quality and yield requirements requires strong leadership and communication skills. Additionally, staying ahead of rapid technological advances while maintaining compliance with industry standards can be demanding, but it also drives professional growth and collaboration in the role.

What is the difference between Director Microfabrication Engineer vs Microfabrication Engineer?

AspectDirector Microfabrication EngineerMicrofabrication Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees microfabrication processes, manages teams, and sets strategic goalsExecutes microfabrication tasks, develops process improvements, and supports production
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in microfabricationRequires relevant engineering degrees and technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D or manufacturing facilitiesHands-on technical work in cleanrooms or labs
Industry UsageCommonly found in high-tech, semiconductor, and nanotech companiesFound across semiconductor, electronics, and research organizations

The main difference between a Director Microfabrication Engineer and a Microfabrication Engineer lies in their scope of responsibilities. The director focuses on strategic oversight and team management, while the engineer handles technical execution. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and are integral to microfabrication operations in high-tech industries.

What is a director microfabrication engineer?

A director microfabrication engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for overseeing the development and manufacturing of micro-scale devices and structures, often in semiconductor or nanotechnology industries. They manage teams, coordinate research efforts, and ensure fabrication processes meet quality and efficiency standards, typically requiring expertise in cleanroom environments, process engineering, and relevant tools like photolithography and etching equipment.
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Director Microfabrication Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Microfabrication Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.

Director of Manufacturing Operations - Hillsboro

nLIGHT

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About nLIGHT
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Director of Manufacturing Operations
The Director of Manufacturing Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production. This role ensures operational excellence by managing strategic planning, production execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve world-class standards in quality, delivery, efficiency, and safety. The director drives continuous improvement and innovation, supporting the company's growth and competitiveness in both military and commercial markets.
Responsibilities
  • Manages strategic and tactical aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production for medium-to-high-volume production of ruggedized military & commercial products
  • Establishes production schedules with planning and business groups and executes against schedule to meet goals for revenue, on-time delivery and lead-time
  • Provides supervision and leadership to direct reports including employee performance management, motivating and facilitating continuous learning and development, conducting annual performance appraisals, and providing timely feedback and recognition.
  • Meets aggressive, world-class goals on quality, cycle time, yield and cost
  • Leads global multi-disciplinary teams to deliver new products, sustaining engineering, and NPI of laser-based product lines as part of key strategy in vertically integrated organization.
  • Analyzes bottlenecks and establishes sufficient capacity to cost-effectively meet production demands
  • Drives continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing wide variety of analytical techniques (such as FMEA, SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, 8D), lean manufacturing, and six sigma concepts.
  • Coordinates with facilities, including maintenance and build-outs, for optimal uptime and cost
  • Interfaces with senior leadership and various support functions such as Supply Chain, Development Engineering, Quality, Finance, HR, and IT as required to establish plans and execute against them
  • Collaborates with R&D to analyze competition, market trends, emerging technology and drives strategic engineering projects into production as capable products & processes.
  • Ensures strong safety program in place
  • Manages and motivates direct staff
  • Builds upon ISO9001:2000 certified quality management system in place
Qualifications
  • Requires a BS in Engineering (Optical, Physics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical) and 10+ years high-tech manufacturing experience with at least five years in a managerial role, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • MS in Engineering or Business is preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in product & process development, NPI or process control of laser systems/photonic components
  • 8+ years of experience working for company providing products for US Defense and/or Government Contracting.
  • Working knowledge of FAR/DFAR requirements, and ITAR-compliant operations
  • Skilled in implementing and utilizing lean manufacturing, SPC, ERP, and MRP systems
  • Strong business and people skills, including strategic thinking, executive communication, and basic business financial acumen
  • Strong record of developing and transferring products and processes related to laser systems and photonic components
  • Strong record of effective judgement and decisiveness, clear thinking, problem solving through structured methodologies
  • Strong situational leadership skills, record of developing great teams and strong hires
  • Sets very strong culture of accountability, disciplined thinking, integrity and expectations, leads by example
  • APICS CPIM experience is preferred, but not required
  • Six Sigma Black Belt is preferred, but not required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Excellent team player
  • Demonstrated ability to protect confidential and proprietary information andexercise discretion.
  • Ability to travel up to 15%
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Director of Manufacturing Operations: $160,000 - $185,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 15% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted StockUnit grants
  • 4weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10paidHolidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as$40.00per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • PaidBereavement Leaveand Jury Duty
  • Tuition AssistanceProgram
  • Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

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