About Finchetto:
At Finchetto, we're pioneering the next generation of photonic systems for networking, and high-performance computing. Our mission is to push the boundaries of integrated photonics to solve complex challenges with speed, precision, and elegance. Backed by leading investors and a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and innovators, we’re building scalable, real-world solutions using light.
The role We are looking for a Junior Photonics Process Engineer to support the development of cleanroom nanofabrication processes for manufacturing integrated photonics components on Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the development and manufacturing of next-generation photonics components, which will be at the heart of the nextgeneration of Finchetto network switch solutions.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in a lab environment and a strong interest in gaining or expanding their skills and knowledge on: • Operating cleanroom fabrication equipment. • Manufacturing and characterizing optical nanostructures
Please note that this role requires you to be based in Wales:
This role is based at Finchetto’s branch office located at the Institute for Compound Semiconductors at Cardiff University, where you will have access to a state-of-the-art cleanroom nanofabrication facility. The facility features some of the most advanced equipment in the field, including e-Beam lithography, ICP-reactive ion etching and dielectric deposition systems.
Key responsibilities • Support the development of cleanroom processes for patterning TFLN wafers, working under the guidance of a an experienced senior process engineer. • Operate cleanroom equipment to manufacture optical nanostructures on TFLN wafers or dies, including: eBeam lithography, ICP-RIE, eBeam evaporator, PECVD and common cleanroom tooling and equipment for sample cleaning, lithography resist deposition, metal lift-off, resist development and wafer dicing. • Collaborate with the Finchetto core R&D team to define manufacturable lithium niobate photonic designs that meet performance requirements. • Assist in characterizing TFLN wafer properties before fabrication • Assist in creating e-Beam pattern files for direct writing lithography and helping establish cleanroom recipes for etching and deposition processes. • Assist in characterizing patterned nanostructures. • Assist in executing the poling process for TFLN optical waveguide. • Assist in building an optical setup to characterize both non-poled and poled waveguides. • Adhere to cleanroom safety protocols, material handling, and contamination control as set by the Institute for Compound Semiconductors policy.
Qualification • Proven experience working in a lab environment. • Hands-on experience in optical testing • Excellent communication and teamwork skills. • Background in integrated photonics on Silicon, or III-V materials, or TFLN or similar material platforms. • Commitment to adhering to company safety policies, including cleanroom protocols, material handling procedures, and contamination control measures.
Nice to have: • Experience working in a cleanroom facility, specifically fabricating semiconductor optical structures. • Experience in manufacturing and testing TFLN integrated photonics structures. • Experience with poling dielectric or semiconductor structures. • Experience in optical fiber alignment for fiber-to-chip characterisation.
Application Process:
We value innovation, curiosity, and a drive to make things work. If you’re excited by complex challenges and want to help define the future of photonics, we’d love to hear from you.
At Finchetto, we’re building the future of photonic systems for networking and high-performance computing. Our mission is to take integrated photonics out of the lab and into the real world—at scale, with speed, and without compromise. Backed by leading investors and a multidisciplinary team, we’re solving tough problems with elegance, rigour, and commercial ambition.
