As a Principal PIC Process Development Engineer, you will be a senior individual contributor within Nokia’s Optical Components organization, responsible for the development, optimization, and transfer of InP photonic integrated circuit (PIC) and laser fabrication processes for high‑volume manufacturing.
This role requires deep technical expertise across epitaxial design, semiconductor processing, data‑driven manufacturing analysis, and close collaboration with remote fabrication partners. You will play a key role in enabling next‑generation optical component technologies that support Nokia’s high‑capacity optical networking platforms.
NION2026
Process Development & Integration
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of InP PIC and laser fabrication processes for high‑volume manufacturing
- Design and specify epitaxial layer structures in collaboration with device designers and epitaxy suppliers
- Develop complete fabrication process flows based on design requirements, tool capabilities, and manufacturing constraints
- Drive process integration, ensuring compatibility across metal, semiconductor, and dielectric modules
Manufacturing Data & Yield Excellence
- Perform extensive data analysis of photonic device, wafer, and process data in a manufacturing environment
- Apply SPC, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and statistical methods to monitor and improve process performance
- Lead or contribute to FMEA activities, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for yield and reliability issues
- Define and utilize metrology strategies to ensure robust process control
Fab Execution & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Shepherd wafers successfully through the fab, coordinating closely with test, development, integration, and fabrication engineers
- Act as a senior technical interface with external or remote fabrication facilities, ensuring alignment on process execution and priorities
- Collaborate with device design, product engineering, and reliability teams to support technology readiness and product ramp
Technical Leadership & Impact
- Provide technical leadership within the PIC process development domain
- Contribute to continuous improvement of tools, methods, and best practices
- Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge transfer across the broader team
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- Minimum 10 years of experience developing and characterizing materials and devices for optoelectronic applications
- Deep expertise in:
- PIC device physics
- Semiconductor, metal, and dielectric materials properties, characterization methods, and data interpretation
- Opto‑electronic testing of PIC devices
- Modeling, simulation, scripting, and working with large, complex data sets
- Physics‑based and data‑driven root cause analysis
- Demonstrated ability to drive cross‑functional engineering teams to measurable outcomes
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting technology transfer to high‑volume manufacturing
- Familiarity with yield ramp, qualification, and reliability testing for photonic devices
- Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical issues across disciplines
- Experience working in foundry or captive fab environments supporting compound semiconductor technologies
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
- Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
- Health and dental benefits
- Short-term disability, and long-term disability
- Life insurance, and AD&D – Company paid 2x base pay
- Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
- Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Plan
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
