Process Development Engineer

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 [email protected] or 18667535273.

Job Description 

The Process Development Engineer will design, develop, integrate, and refine existing laser diode fabrication processes and develop new fabrication processes for novel devices in future markets. As a member of the Advanced Development group, your work will directly contribute to all areas of the company, from prototyping to production improvements for novel applications in LiFi, AR/VR, and specialty areas.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and refine new processes for laser chips and other device manufacturing.

• Investigate and apply novel techniques for improved device performance, reliability and yield.

• Develop work instructions and train process technicians on new processes.

• Help drive development by facilitating rapid-turn short-loop feedback cycles.

• SPC monitoring and implementation towards continuous improvement of laser products.

• Specify, procure and bring up new wafer fab capital equipment.

• Hands-on process implementation and tool optimization – significant time on the fab floor.

• Maintain a safe work environment while working with vacuum tools.

• Support quality programs both sustaining as well as in preparation for major audits or certifications.

Experience and Skills

• MS (+2 years experience) or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering or other relevant Physical Science.

• Knowledge of laser device physics and fabrication.

• Strong hands-on experience with several of the following processes and tools: ICP, RIE, PECVD, E-beam, Sputter, IBD, ellipsometer, lithography, SEM and AFM / profilometers.

• Develop work instructions and train process technicians on new processes.

• Help drive development by facilitating rapid-turn short-loop feedback cycles.

• Ability to work with minimal guidance.

• Large dataset process analysis experience using software such as JMP, MATLAB, or SQL.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Willing to work outside the scope of normal job duties and experience.

• Perform other duties and projects assigned

The full time base salary range for the position of Process Development Engineer is $110,000 to $130,000 per annum. 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. 

 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.