Principal Manufacturing Engineer / Senior Manager - InP Laser & Photonic Device Manufacturing
Role Summary
We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or Senior Engineering Manager with deep expertise in Indium Phosphide (InP) laser and photonic device manufacturing. This role will lead the development, scale-up, and production of advanced photonics technologies that support next-generation AI and hyperscale data center connectivity.
As a technical leader, you will define the manufacturing strategy, drive yield improvement, and scale high-volume production of InP-based photonic devices for high-speed optical modules (400G / 800G and beyond). The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in compound semiconductor fabrication, laser device manufacturing, and high-volume photonics production, along with a proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams toward manufacturing excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Serve as the technical authority for InP laser device manufacturing, including wafer fabrication, device processing, and production integration.
- Define the technology roadmap for next-generation photonic devices.
- Lead solutions for complex manufacturing challenges, including yield, reliability, and scalability.
Manufacturing Strategy & Production Scaling
- Drive initiatives to scale InP laser manufacturing from pilot production to high-volume manufacturing.
- Develop long-term strategies to optimize efficiency, yield, and cost structure.
- Champion automation, process control, and data-driven manufacturing methodologies.
Process Integration & Yield Improvement
- Oversee end-to-end process integration for photonic device manufacturing.
- Lead cross-functional teams to resolve yield excursions, reliability issues, and process variations.
- Apply SPC, DOE, and manufacturing analytics to enhance device performance and consistency.
Technology Transfer & New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead the transfer of new technologies from R&D to production.
- Support NPI efforts for next-generation photonic components.
- Ensure manufacturability, scalability, and reliability are integral to new technology design.
Cross-Functional Engineering Leadership
- Collaborate with Process Engineering, Device Engineering, Reliability & Quality, Operations & Supply Chain, and Equipment Engineering teams.
- Align engineering efforts with business objectives, customer requirements, and production ramp schedules.
Organizational Leadership (Senior Manager Role)
- Build, mentor, and lead a team of manufacturing and process engineers.
- Set engineering priorities aligned with production capacity expansion.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
- Develop technical talent and strengthen engineering capabilities across the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or photonics manufacturing.
- Deep experience with compound semiconductor fabrication, especially InP-based lasers or photonic devices.
- Proven track record in yield improvement, manufacturing scale-up, and process integration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with InP epitaxy (MOCVD or MBE) and laser device fabrication (DFB, EML, integrated photonics).
- Knowledge of high-speed optical transceivers (400G / 800G / 1.6T).
- Experience leading engineering teams in complex semiconductor manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with advanced process control systems and manufacturing analytics.
Key Skills
- Compound semiconductor manufacturing & InP photonics process integration
- Laser device fabrication & high-volume manufacturing scale-up
- Yield engineering, failure analysis, and semiconductor equipment optimization
- Statistical analysis, DOE, and advanced manufacturing analytics
- Technical leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our tale