Epitaxy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at info@kyocerasldlaser.com or 18667535273.

Job Description

KYOCERA SLD Laser is seeking a Sr. Epitaxy Technician to join our MOCVD operations team in Fremont, CA. This role supports the manufacturing of advanced GaN-based laser diode products through hands-on MOCVD tool operation, wafer preparation, wafer characterization, process monitoring, and close collaboration with engineering. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-focused, comfortable working in a cleanroom manufacturing environment, and able to support production priorities with consistent quality and communication.

Specific Responsibilities

• Perform daily epitaxy production activities, including wafer and hardware preparation, reactor loading, recipe execution, and MOCVD reactor operation.
• Perform wafer characterization and inspections, including optical microscope inspection, photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, AFM, and other metrology methods as required.
• Support and maintain the MOCVD reactor production schedule by coordinating priorities, run readiness, and tool availability with engineering and operations.
• Contribute to the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of best practices, standard operating procedures, and production workflows for MOCVD operations.
• Partner with engineers on process and equipment troubleshooting, data review, yield improvement, and corrective actions to sustain and improve existing processes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work area while following cleanroom protocols and contamination-control requirements.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams regarding daily plans, production status, tool issues, and process concerns.
• Support ISO 9001 and IATF quality-system requirements by following documented procedures, maintaining accurate records, and escalating deviations or quality concerns.

Experience and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in a related technical field such as electronics, semiconductor technology, materials science, electrical engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a semiconductor cleanroom, wafer-processing, or related manufacturing environment; MOCVD, epitaxy, or compound-semiconductor experience strongly preferred.

The full time base salary range for the position of Sr Epi Process Technician is $32.00 to $37.00 per hour. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Because of export-control requirements, applicants must qualify as a “U.S. Person” as defined by the United States Export Control Regulations.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.