SMART Photonics is a rapidly growing pure-play Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic foundry, delivering high-performance integrated photonic circuits from proof-of-concept to full production. As an independent manufacturer, we support customers across data communications, sensing (e.g., LiDAR), telecom, and medical markets with a complete wafer fabrication process that includes epitaxial growth, lithography, processing, and final chip production
As Cluster Lead Epitaxy & Lithography, you will lead and unify the Process Engineering teams responsible for epitaxial growth and lithography process development, scaling, stability, and integration across our wafer fab. You will be a seasoned manager with deep industry experience, able to balance strategic vision with hands-on process oversight. This role is ideal for someone who has worked in high-volume photonics wafer fabs, or in related semiconductor/MEMS environments, and who thrives on driving team performance and process excellence.
Key responsibilitiesLead and mentor multi-disciplinary process engineering teams in epitaxy and lithography.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
Ensure clear communication of priorities, goals, and expectations throughout the cluster.
Oversee process definition, optimization, monitoring, and scale-up for epitaxial growth (e.g., MOVPE/MOCVD) and high-end lithography on 4” and later 6” InP wafers.
Drive robust and repeatable manufacturing processes that support yield, throughput, and product quality.
Champion structured methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, and root-cause analysis to improve process stability and performance.
Partner with equipment engineering, device engineering, integration teams, quality, and production to ensure seamless process integration from development to factory floor execution.
Represent the cluster in decision-making forums and align with business objectives and customer requirements.
Contribute to roadmap planning for technology, tooling, capacity, and process enhancements.
Translate customer needs and market trends into actionable process initiatives that strengthen our foundry competitiveness.
Several years (10+ preferred) of hands-on semiconductor or photonics wafer fab experience, especially in process engineering management.
Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary engineering teams in an operational setting.
Strong operational background with real fab exposure in epitaxy and/or lithography, including process control and tool performance.
Deep understanding of semiconductor manufacturing environments (MES, cleanroom culture, yield drivers).
Demonstrable success in driving process improvement and execution in a production or pilot production environment.
Excellent communicator who can influence across functions and levels in a dynamic organization.
Practical and pragmatic problem-solver with a focus on results and execution.
A leadership role with real impact in a cutting-edge photonics foundry.
A collaborative, innovative team environment on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven.
Opportunity to grow professionally while shaping the future of integrated photonics.
€70000 - €100000 monthly