Senior process engineer – inspection and optical characterization

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

Process Engineer Wet Processing

We are looking for an experienced Wet Process Engineer to join our growing semiconductor manufacturing team in Switzerland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the introduction of new wet-chemical surface preparation processes and equipment that support advanced epitaxial overgrowth technologies used in next-generation photonic and AI-related applications.

As a newly created role, you will have the opportunity to help establish and optimize critical manufacturing processes, influence technology development, and work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Epitaxy, Production, and Process Engineering. You will become the technical expert for assigned wet-processing technologies while driving continuous improvement and supporting the transition from development into high-volume manufacturing.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Set up, develop, and qualify wet-chemical surface preparation processes for epitaxial overgrowth, including cleaning, oxide removal, wet etching, and surface conditioning.
• Support the specification, evaluation, installation, and qualification of wet-processing equipment and associated metrology systems.
• Plan and execute process development activities, qualification runs, design of experiments (DOE), and test studies to establish robust manufacturing processes.
• Analyse process data, prepare technical reports, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Develop process monitoring and control strategies to ensure stable manufacturing performance, quality, and yield.
• Partner closely with Epitaxy, R&D, Production, and Process Engineering teams to establish and optimise complete process flows.
• Create and maintain process documentation, specifications, work instructions, and control plans.
• Train manufacturing personnel and support process transfer into production.
• Provide technical support during production ramp-up and resolve process-related challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on process robustness, yield enhancement, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations related to wet processing, surface preparation, and downstream epitaxial performance.
• Act as the subject matter expert for assigned wet-processing and overgrowth preparation technologies.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience with wet-processing techniques such as:
• Wet etching
• Surface cleaning
• Oxide removal
• Stripping
• Surface conditioning
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret process data and drive improvements.
• Structured, organised, and self-motivated approach to work.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced cleanroom manufacturing environment.

Desirable

• Experience setting up, qualifying, industrialising, or transferring new semiconductor processes into manufacturing.
• Experience introducing and qualifying new process equipment.
• Knowledge of III-V semiconductor materials such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Indium Phosphide (InP).
• Experience with epitaxy or epitaxial regrowth processes.
• Understanding of process control methodologies, statistical analysis, and DOE techniques.
• Fluency in both German and English.

What We Offer

Our benefits vary by country and role. Depending on your location, your package may include:

• Competitive base salary and annual incentive eligibility
• Employer-supported pension or retirement provision
• Health, wellbeing and employee-assistance programmes
• Life and income-protection benefits
• Flexible-working arrangements, where compatible with the role
• Learning and professional-development opportunities
• Employee recognition and share programmes

Our ICARE Values

How we work is just as important as what we achieve. Everyone at Coherent is expected to demonstrate our ICARE values:

• 🤝 Integrity – Create an environment of trust
• ✨ Collaboration – Innovate through the sharing of ideas
• 🎯 Accountability – Own the process and the outcome
• 🌍 Respect – Recognise the value in everyone
• 🚀 Enthusiasm – Find a sense of purpose in work

Application and Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require an adjustment or accessibility accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact john.cairney@coherent.com. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Join us and help shape the technologies that connect, inform and transform our world.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.