Senior Research Engineer – Nitride Thin-Film Materials (Photonics Application) // Job-ID: 232-1

Festanstellung, Vollzeit · VILLACH

Your future responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in photonics, quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Photonics and Quantum Pilot Lines. Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger. Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.

The Thin Film Technologies (TFT) Research Unit focuses on emerging materials for MEMS, electronics, photonics and quantum applications. We are seeking a motivated researcher to develop aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) applications.

Your future tasks include:

Development of thin films for integrated photonics applications.
Design and execute experiments to optimize photonic materials, guided by device specifications and performance feedback.
Collaboration with design, fabrication, characterization, and process engineer teams to optimize full process flow and device performance.
Definition of strategies for material optimization and pursuing scientifically relevant investigations.
Development of strategies to address novel material properties and novel fields of application.
Contributing to the standardization of procedures and workflows within the Unit.
Filing IP disclosures whenever possible and appropriate.
Contribution to scientific dissemination (publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, presentations at conferences).
Contribution to Unit workflows, project acquisition and project management.
Position is offered within the Chips JU Pilot Lines.

Your profile

PhD in a relevant field (e.g. materials science, physics or related discipline).
Hands-on experience with thin-film deposition (especially sputtering, CVD) for photonic applications
Experience with materials for Photonic Integrated Circuits (e.g. AlN, SiN, LiNbO₃)
Ability to tune optical properties of thin-film materials
Hands-on experience with optical and structural characterizations (thickness, refractive index, loss, roughness) using relevant tools including ellipsometry, reflectometry, AFM, XRD, SEM, ...
Experience working on 200 mm wafers is an advantage.
Ability to run experiments, analyze data, and optimize material quality
Strong documentation and reporting discipline
High interest in applied research on photonic thin films materials
Good collaboration record with internal teams and industrial partners
Cleanroom experience, and willingness to work in cleanroom for at least 50% of the time
Experience with successful funding applications is an advantage.
Solid skills in standard office tools and data analysis software (e.g. Origin).
Very good command of English; German is an asset.
Experience working in multicultural and multinational teams; respectful, empathetic team player with strong communication and presentation skills.
Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria.

Important Facts about SAL

Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
“Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
€ 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)
Our values:
- Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning,compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.963, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week. For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

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About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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