Research Engineer - Photonic MEMS (f/m/d)

YOUR FUTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the fabrication and technological advancement of photonic MEMS-based devices, including thermal sensors, microheaters, and tunable/reconfigurable photonic MEMS devices, from initial concept to prototype development. 
• Coordinate photonic MEMS fabrication between the research unit and cleanroom facilities. 
• Lead the design layout, execution, and analysis of DOE to enhance device performance. 
• Execute small-scale fabrication and prototype for photonic MEMS devices in all technical areas (lithography, thin film deposition, etching) in cleanroom facilities utilizing 200 mm wafer-level technology. 
• Perform testing of developed photonic MEMS devices, including electrical, mechanical, and optical assessments. 
• Perform quality control and document date for the statical process control. 
• Communicate and report research findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. 

YOUR PROFILE

• Master's degree with at least 5 years of work experience or a PhD degree in relevant fields such as nanophotonics, materials science, nanotechnology, electrical engineering, or related disciplines. 
• Proficiency in hands-on layout design using tools like K-layout, LayoutEditor, GDSfactory (or similar Python-based GDS layout), and experience in nano- and microfabrication within cleanroom environments, particularly for photonics and MEMS devices. 
• Experience in nanophotonics/metaoptics simulation is a plus. 
• Bonus points for experience in lab environment characterization specifically for photonics and MEMS devices. 
• Proficiency in English, German is an asset.  
• A team player with good communication skills. 
• Willingness to relocate to Austria/Villach.

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.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
• 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 3.827, 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 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

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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 futurenInnovation 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.

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