Compound Semiconductor Processing Engineer
Cork, Cork, Ireland
Full Time
Engineering
Experienced
Compound Semiconductor Processing Engineer
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
We are a research group exploring photonic devices and their integration into circuits for applications in communications, biophotonics, sensing and quantum. We are part of the Photonics Centre at Tyndall with a vibrant and expanding world-class research ecosystem comprising more than 200 researchers with activities that include photonic theory, III-V and III-Nitride material epitaxy, photonic integration, hybrid integration and packaging together with applications in microelectronics, bio-photonics and communication systems. Tyndall hosts the Research Ireland funded Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC) a €30M initiative with 30 industry partners, including large multinationals, indigenous companies and start-ups. Tyndall has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.
About the Role
We have an immediate need for someone to join our team to develop and implement process flows for the fabrication of advanced photonic devices using InP, GaAs and GaN materials. You will join a team to build the devices in our state-of-the-art cleanroom. You will perform optimisations on the steps and validate the changes through measurements. The position is for 9 months.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The key duty will be the fabrication of photonic devices using semiconductor process technology, where first you will be trained on safety, documentation and tool use. The work will be collaborative with the other users of the cleanroom where respect is paramount. Your input to the process plan will be appreciated and process improvements noted and implemented. The devices will be tested and results recorded. You will present progress updates to stakeholders on a regular basis. You will ensure that the final devices are delivered to a high standard. In addition you will:
Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:
Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 9 months
Appointment may be made on the Admin V, Grade 5 Scale II (new entrants) salary € 51,307 - €62,926 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Brian Corbett.
Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 2nd January 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).
Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.
The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.
With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.
Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
We are a research group exploring photonic devices and their integration into circuits for applications in communications, biophotonics, sensing and quantum. We are part of the Photonics Centre at Tyndall with a vibrant and expanding world-class research ecosystem comprising more than 200 researchers with activities that include photonic theory, III-V and III-Nitride material epitaxy, photonic integration, hybrid integration and packaging together with applications in microelectronics, bio-photonics and communication systems. Tyndall hosts the Research Ireland funded Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC) a €30M initiative with 30 industry partners, including large multinationals, indigenous companies and start-ups. Tyndall has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.
About the Role
We have an immediate need for someone to join our team to develop and implement process flows for the fabrication of advanced photonic devices using InP, GaAs and GaN materials. You will join a team to build the devices in our state-of-the-art cleanroom. You will perform optimisations on the steps and validate the changes through measurements. The position is for 9 months.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
The key duty will be the fabrication of photonic devices using semiconductor process technology, where first you will be trained on safety, documentation and tool use. The work will be collaborative with the other users of the cleanroom where respect is paramount. Your input to the process plan will be appreciated and process improvements noted and implemented. The devices will be tested and results recorded. You will present progress updates to stakeholders on a regular basis. You will ensure that the final devices are delivered to a high standard. In addition you will:
- Document and lead the process reporting on a weekly basis.
- Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
- To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- Undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering or similar scientific subject
- Demonstrated track record of working independently on a variety of projects
- Typically 3 years direct experience with processing semiconductor photonic devices
- Experience with working in an industry environment
- Evident proficiency in managing process flows and in report writing for research projects.
- Demonstrated relationship development and collaboration experience with customers
- Programming of instrumentation
- Knowledge of semiconductor tools and procurement
- Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:
- Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland’s economy and the society at large.
- Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
- Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
- Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
- Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
- Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
- Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
- Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
- Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community.
Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 9 months
Appointment may be made on the Admin V, Grade 5 Scale II (new entrants) salary € 51,307 - €62,926 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Brian Corbett.
Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 2nd January 2026.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Apply for this position
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