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Wafer Process Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
Sugar, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/7/2026

Summary

We are seeking a semiconductor process engineer. The engineer will primarily be responsible for fabricating compound semiconductor lasers on InP wafers inside a cleanroom environment, ensuring that production line tools have maximized uptime, analyzing process data such as SPC charts, and addressing issues when necessary. At times, the engineer may also need to participate in the improvement projects and new tool qualification (vendor contact, tool evaluation, installation, Factory Acceptance Test, qualification, etc.).

Job Duties

  • Develop and or maintain various wafer process steps, including photolithography, wet and dry etching, PECVD, metal deposition, electrolytic plating, and chemical/mechanical polishing of compound semiconductor wafers.
  • Establish or analyze Statistical Process Control (SPC), process yield, and measure tool performance/uptime metrics.
  • Generate Standard Operating Procedures, work order instructions, drawings, 5S documentation, and other production-line-related documentations.
  • Promptly respond to the production line requests of wafer disposition, maintain wafer flow, handle tool issues to resume production in a timely manner.
  • Analyze and compile experimental data into reports for process improvement projects.
  • Responsible for the basic maintenance and calibration of production machines, including mask aligner, hot plates, ovens, PECVD, ICP/RIE dry etchers, E-beam evaporators, thermal processing, microscopes, SEM, AFM, etc.
  • Verify process conformance to the controls and specifications by utilizing inspection tools, such as optical microscopes, profilometers, ellipsometers, SEM, AFM, wafer inspection tools, etc..
  • Perform other work-related tasks as required and assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related discipline is required
  • Minimum 1-year experience in the laboratory environment is required
  • 4 years of experience in the compound semiconductor process is desired
  • Knowledge and or hands-on experience of Six Sigma is a plus
  • Robust analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Detail-oriented; committed to quality and safety
  • Self-sufficient learner, work well in the fast-paced work environment
  • Comfortable to work under cleanroom hood and without any make-up
  • Comfortable handling chemicals, including corrosive acids, bases, and solvents with Personal Protective Equipment
  • Ability to be on-call after-hours and weekends for issues affecting the production line, and ability to work overtime for rush/urgent projects

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the associate may need the ability to lift and carry loads up to 20 pounds, stand and or walk for 10 hrs. daily and climb stairs.
  • Subject to noise, vibration, and odors.
  • Subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, or exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers

  • Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
  • Generous PTO policy with unused PTO payout at end of the year
  • Relocation package available within US
  • Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.

Salary.com Estimation for Wafer Process Engineer in Sugar, TX
$91,303 to $106,038
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