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Epitaxial Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Staff PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

As a Staff PIC Process Development Engineer , you will be a senior individual contributor within ... This role requires deep technical expertise across epitaxial design, semiconductor processing, data ...

Oclaro

Process Engineer

Greensboro, NC

$100K - $140K/yr

Epitaxial Growth: Design and execute MOCVD growth runs for compound semiconductor structures ... D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Technical ...

Lumentum Operations LLC

Process Engineer

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Epitaxial Growth: Design and execute MOCVD growth runs for compound semiconductor structures ... D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Technical ...

Coherent

Senior Epi Sustaining Engineer

Fremont, CA

$123K - $170K/yr

Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance ... Prior experience with standard epitaxial characterization tools such as XRD, ECV, PL, and ...

Uasys

MUSiC Process Engineer III

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

The MUSiC Process Engineer III will be primarily responsible for the creation of processes and ... At least 10 years of semiconductor experience in epitaxial growth processing and related safety ...

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Epitaxial Engineer information

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$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do epitaxial engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for epitaxial engineer in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Epitaxial Engineer vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectEpitaxial EngineerSemiconductor Process Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of epitaxial growth techniquesBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Electrical, or Materials Engineering; familiarity with semiconductor fabrication processes
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on thin film deposition and epitaxial layer growthCleanroom settings involved in various semiconductor manufacturing steps
Industry UsagePrimarily in semiconductor fabrication plants focusing on device layer creationAcross semiconductor manufacturing, including process development and optimization

The main difference is that Epitaxial Engineers specialize in growing crystalline layers on substrates, crucial for device performance, while Semiconductor Process Engineers oversee broader manufacturing processes. Both roles require knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, but their focus areas differ within the industry.

What does an Epitaxial Engineer do?

An Epitaxial Engineer specializes in the process of growing thin crystalline layers (epitaxy) on semiconductor wafers, which is crucial for manufacturing electronic and optoelectronic devices like transistors and LEDs. They are responsible for designing, optimizing, and monitoring epitaxial growth systems, ensuring high-quality material properties and precise layer control. Epitaxial Engineers also troubleshoot equipment, analyze material defects, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate epitaxial layers into device fabrication processes. Their work is vital for advancing semiconductor technology and improving device performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Epitaxial Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Epitaxial Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, semiconductor physics, and chemical engineering, typically with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with epitaxial growth systems such as MOCVD or MBE, process control software, and cleanroom protocols is essential, and some roles may require certifications in semiconductor manufacturing. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this position. These competencies are vital to ensure high-quality wafer production, process optimization, and innovation in semiconductor device fabrication.

What are some typical challenges faced by Epitaxial Engineers during semiconductor wafer growth, and how are they addressed within a team setting?

Epitaxial Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uniform layer thickness, minimizing defects, and controlling dopant concentrations during wafer growth. These issues require careful monitoring of process parameters and rapid troubleshooting. Collaboration with process engineers, equipment technicians, and quality assurance teams is essential to analyze data, implement corrective actions, and optimize growth recipes. Open communication and regular team meetings help ensure that best practices and lessons learned are shared, leading to continuous improvement in yield and device performance.
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What cities are hiring for Epitaxial Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Epitaxial Engineer job openings:
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Epitaxial Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Epitaxial Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.
Staff PIC Process Engineer

Staff PIC Process Engineer

Nokia

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Nokia rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 82 rated telecommunications companies

Job description


As a Staff PIC Process Development Engineer, you will be a senior individual contributor within Nokia's Optical Components organization, responsible for the development, optimization, and transfer of InP photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and laser fabrication processes for high-volume manufacturing.
This role requires deep technical expertise across epitaxial design, semiconductor processing, data-driven manufacturing analysis, and close collaboration with remote fabrication partners. You will play a key role in enabling next-generation optical component technologies that support Nokia's high-capacity optical networking platforms.
Responsibilities
Process Development & Integration
  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of InP PIC and laser fabrication processes for high-volume manufacturing
  • Design and specify epitaxial layer structures in collaboration with device designers and epitaxy suppliers
  • Develop complete fabrication process flows based on design requirements, tool capabilities, and manufacturing constraints
  • Drive process integration, ensuring compatibility across metal, semiconductor, and dielectric modules

Manufacturing Data & Yield Excellence
  • Perform extensive data analysis of photonic device, wafer, and process data in a manufacturing environment
  • Apply SPC, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and statistical methods to monitor and improve process performance
  • Lead or contribute to FMEA activities, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for yield and reliability issues
  • Define and utilize metrology strategies to ensure robust process control

Fab Execution & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Shepherd wafers successfully through the fab, coordinating closely with test, development, integration, and fabrication engineers
  • Act as a senior technical interface with external or remote fabrication facilities, ensuring alignment on process execution and priorities
  • Collaborate with device design, product engineering, and reliability teams to support technology readiness and product ramp

Technical Leadership & Impact
  • Provide technical leadership within the PIC process development domain
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of tools, methods, and best practices
  • Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge transfer across the broader team

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Minimum 3 years of industry experience developing and manufacturing InP PIC or laser fabrication processes for high-volume applications
  • Demonstrated expertise in:
    • Design of epitaxial layer structures
    • Process design and fabrication process development for InP devices or PICs
    • Photonic device data query and analysis in a manufacturing environment
    • Metal, semiconductor, and dielectric deposition and etching tools, chemistries, and methods
    • FMEA, SPC, process capability, and metrology
    • Building end-to-end fabrication process flows from tool and design specifications
  • Proven ability to work effectively with remote fabs and cross-site teams

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting technology transfer to high-volume manufacturing
  • Familiarity with yield ramp, qualification, and reliability testing for photonic devices
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical issues across disciplines
  • Experience working in foundry or captive fab environments supporting compound semiconductor technologies

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