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Phd Semiconductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline * Strong working knowledge of semiconductor photodetectors, laser diodes, and optoelectronic device fabrication.

PHD. in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field (strong research Master ... Semiconductor process or cleanroom exposure * Signal or image processing for scientific / metrology ...

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline * Strong working knowledge of semiconductor photodetectors, laser diodes, and optoelectronic device fabrication.

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Phd Semiconductor information

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$37.5K

$88.9K

$147.5K

How much do phd semiconductor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd semiconductor in the United States is $88,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a PhD in semiconductors make?

A PhD in semiconductors typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior roles or those in research and development may offer higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in device physics or fabrication processes.

What is the difference between Phd Semiconductor vs Semiconductor Engineer?

AspectPhd SemiconductorSemiconductor Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsDesign, develop, and test semiconductor devices in manufacturing or R&D
Industry UsageAcademic research, advanced R&D, specialized industry rolesProduct development, manufacturing, and engineering teams

While a Phd Semiconductor focuses on advanced research and theoretical development in semiconductors, a Semiconductor Engineer applies practical engineering skills to design and produce semiconductor devices. Both roles are integral to the industry but differ mainly in their focus on research versus application.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD professionals working in the semiconductor industry, and how can they be addressed?

PhD professionals in the semiconductor industry often face challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, the need to stay current with cutting-edge research, and balancing long-term innovation with immediate project goals. Additionally, working in multidisciplinary teams requires strong communication skills to translate complex research into practical solutions. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous learning, active collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams, and participating in industry conferences or workshops to stay updated on trends and breakthroughs.

What is a PhD semiconductor professional?

PhD Semiconductor professionals are experts who have earned a doctoral degree (PhD) with a focus on semiconductor physics, materials, devices, or related engineering fields. They conduct advanced research and development on semiconductor technologies, which are essential for electronics like computers, smartphones, and solar cells. These professionals often work in academia, research institutions, or the semiconductor industry, contributing to innovations in microchips, nanotechnology, and fabrication processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD semiconductor researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Semiconductor Researcher, you need advanced knowledge in semiconductor physics, materials science, and device fabrication, typically supported by a doctorate in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as TCAD), cleanroom processes, and analytical tools like electron microscopes is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for driving innovation, publishing impactful research, and contributing to technological advancements in the semiconductor industry.
More about Phd Semiconductor jobs
What cities are hiring for Phd Semiconductor jobs? Cities with the most Phd Semiconductor job openings:
What states have the most Phd Semiconductor jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Semiconductor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Phd Semiconductor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,873 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Semiconductor Laser Design Engineer

Ayo Semiconductor

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Ayo is a venture-backed early-stage startup that will radically re-define how humanity performs compute for AI. Our photonic processors will provide orders of magnitude improvement in speed and power efficiency in comparison to conventional digital compute platforms by taking advantage of the natural parallelism, speed and energy efficiency of light.

We are seeking a semiconductor laser engineer to serve as a core team member who will be among the first employees of the company. The engineer will drive the optimization of both active III-V epitaxy and active device design (on-chip lasers and SOAs). The ideal candidate has taped out or fabricated working semiconductor laser or SOA devices, has a deep understanding of the underlying physics, and has a desire to explore the limits of what can be built with current fabrication technologies. This will be a key role within the photonics team, requiring close collaboration with other team members and engineering functions.

Responsibilities:

  • Simulate/design III-V epitaxies optimized for our application

  • Design test structures for measurement of electronic and optical properties of fabricated epitaxial wafers

  • Design, tape out and test integrated lasers and SOAs

  • Work with systems, electronic, and AI teams to design prototype chips

  • Mentor & guide junior photonics engineers and photonics test engineers

Qualifications:

  • PhD or MS with 5+ years experience

  • Experience designing, taping out or fabricating, and testing integrated semiconductor lasers, LEDs and/or SOAs

  • Experience using commercial simulation tools (such as Ansys/Lumerical, Tidy3D, PhotonDesign or similar)

  • Proficiency with Python

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience designing multi-quantum well and/or quantum dot structures

  • Experience designing and laying out photonic integrated circuits

  • Experience probing/testing photonic integrated circuits

  • Experience with advanced packaging of photonic integrated circuits such as hybrid or flip-chip integration

Contact:

  • Mike Gould (mike@ayoelectronics.com)