Senior Research Engineer - Cross-Platform Microfabrication Processes (all genders)

Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of technology 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 role is part of the new Pilot Line Operations (PLO) Team within the Microsystem Division. PLO is a multidisciplinary engineering team bridging research and pilot-line operations, combining microfabrication expertise, process integration, documentation and coordination between Research Units and the SAL cleanroom infrastructure.

Your future tasks include:

• Hands-on execution of microfabrication processes across lithography, deposition, etching, cleaning, metrology and other relevant process modules.
• Develop, integrate, troubleshoot and optimize complex microfabrication process flows, including cross-tool and cross-module interactions.
• Execute and lead fabrication runs, analyze results and identify process integration issues, deviations and root causes: pilot-line runs, MPWs, technology demonstrators and external fabrication activities.
• Assessing Technology and pilot-line maturity.
• Work directly with scientists to translate new research concepts into fabricable process flows and experimental process runs.
• Work closely with cleanroom tool owners and engineers to ensure compatibility with tool capabilities, cleanroom constraints and operational requirements.
• Define and maintain process documentation, flow diagrams, process specifications, run sheets, recipes, track of changes and lessons learned.
• Help establish standardized ways of working for process development, integration, documentation, qualification and scale-up.
• Platform Specialization: Focusing primarily on one of the key Microsystems technology platforms (Quantum Technologies, Photonics, PiezoMEMS, Magnetic Microsystems) but operating across multiple projects.

Your profile:

• MSc/PhD in microelectronics, microsystems, semiconductors, physics or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor, MEMS, photonics or microfabrication technology, preferably in a cleanroom industrial environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in fabrication process development and integration, with the ability to execute and troubleshoot processes.
• Broad understanding of multiple microfabrication modules and their interactions, rather than expertise limited to a single process step.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to move between hands-on cleanroom work, process engineering, documentation and coordination.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and professional documentation.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively while supporting multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, reporting, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (German is a plus)

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 4.056, 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 65.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

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.