Single Photon Source Lithography Engineer
Quandela · Palaiseau
Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges.
Learn more at: Quandela | Leading Photonic Quantum Computing Solutions
About this position:
Role Overview
We are looking for a Single Photon Source Lithography Engineer to support the development, stabilization and industrialization of our semiconductor fabrication processes.
At our current stage of maturity, this position combines advanced process development, hands-on R&D and manufacturing engineering. The Lithography Engineer will play a key role in bridging the gap between Advanced R&D and Production, transforming newly developed process building blocks into robust, repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.
The role will have a strong focus on in-situ localization of quantum dots (QDs) at cryogenic temperatures and laser lithography over the localized Qds with laser writing techniques. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D teams, fabrication engineers, equipment owners and cleanroom operators to improve process capability, reproducibility, yield and production throughput.
This is a highly hands-on position requiring a strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication, rigorous experimental methodology and the ability to investigate complex interactions between process parameters and device performance.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development & Industrialization
- Develop, optimize and stabilize QD positioning and laser lithography process.
- Contribute to the development of GUIs and automation codes in the Python programming language.
- Contrinute to the development of fully-automated QD-positioning and litography tools.
- Validate and qualify new fabrication equipment and associated processes.
- Define process windows, recipes, operating conditions and acceptance criteria.
- Use structured experimentation, including Design of Experiments (DoE) where appropriate, to understand process sensitivities and optimize performance.
- Improve process repeatability, reproducibility, robustness and within-wafer / wafer-to-wafer homogeneity.
- Prepare processes and equipment for increasing wafer sizes, batch sizes and production volumes.
R&D to Production Transfer
- Act as a key technical interface between Advanced R&D and Production.
- Convert R&D process building blocks into stable, documented and manufacturable processes.
- Assess manufacturability, scalability and process risks before transfer to production.
- Define qualification plans and acceptance criteria before releasing new or modified processes to production.
- Lead or contribute to Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for critical fabrication steps, identifying potential failure modes, their effects on device performance and appropriate prevention and control measures.
- Translate PFMEA outcomes into process controls, monitoring plans, acceptance criteria, Control Plans and documentation.
- Support technology transfer through clear documentation, operator training and technical communication.
Process Control & Yield Improvement
- Monitor and improve production process performance, yield and throughput.
- Establish regular process checks, controls and monitoring methodologies, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) where relevant.
- Detect process drifts, investigate deviations and define corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting activities for yield losses, process excursions and equipment-related issues.
- Define and maintain relevant process KPIs and contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Promote best practices that increase process stability, repeatability and equipment utilization.
Equipment & Production Support
- Provide hands-on technical support to cleanroom operators and production teams.
- Work closely with equipment suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical issues.
- Contribute to a safe, disciplined and efficient cleanroom environment.
Process Characterization & Data Analysis
- Correlate process data with structural, optical and electrical characterization results.
- Use experimental data to identify process sensitivities, failure mechanisms and optimization opportunities.
- Develop appropriate data-analysis tools to support process monitoring and engineering decisions.
- Search and analyze scientific and technical literature to support process development and troubleshooting.
Documentation & Communication
- Create and maintain high-quality process documentation, including process specifications, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), equipment recipes, qualification reports, Control Plans, process-development reports and troubleshooting guides.
- Ensure frequent and clear reporting of process status, experimental results, risks and improvement actions.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues from different technical backgrounds and levels of experience.
- Train and support operators and other team members on new or updated processes.
Requirements
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Master's degree or PhD in Optics, Materials Science, Physics, Micro/Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with semiconductor or photonic-device fabrication in a cleanroom environment.
- Hands-on experience in conception, assembling, and alignment of optical systems.
- Hands-on experience in conception, assembling, and operation of electronic devices
- Python programming language fluency.
- Excellent attention to detail and a rigorous approach to experimental work.
- Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to independently investigate technical problems using experimental data and scientific literature.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Fluent English, both written and spoken.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in developments of GUIs with the python programming language.
- Experience in a semiconductor manufacturing, pilot-line or production environment.
- Experience with process industrialization and transfer from R&D to production.
- Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, DoE or other structured process-risk and continuous-improvement methodologies.
- Experience with III-V semiconductor devices, particularly AlGaAs-based photonic structures, resonators or VCSEL-type technologies.
Profile
We are looking for someone who combines the mindset of an R&D engineer with the rigor of a manufacturing/process engineer.
The ideal candidate is comfortable developing new systems where all parameters are not yet fully understood, while also being able to transform experimental processes into stable, controlled and documented production workflows.
You should enjoy working directly in the cleanroom, analyzing data, developing Python projects, solving complex fabrication problems and collaborating across R&D and production teams.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, flexible based on your experience
- Profit-sharing & company savings plan
- 100% health coverage (Alan)
- 50% transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus
- Meal vouchers (Swile), Gymlib fitness support
- Childcare assistance & referral bonuses (€1,000–€2,000)
What we offer:
- A meaningful role with real ownership, from day one
- A team eager to collaborate and grow with you
- Daily exposure to the entire quantum stack — from high-level APIs to low-level firmware, and everything in between.
Process
- Talent Acquisition Interview (30' - 45')
- Hiring Manager Interview (45')
- Use Case / Practical Assessment : The use case will consist of a simple practical exercise focused on the alignment of an optical bench. The assessment will take place in the cleanroom, they are not considered PPE for this exercise.
- Meeting with the teams
- 2 reference check
- Offer
(This process is provided for guidance only and may evolve depending on the roles)
At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.
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