Laser Components Detector Group (LCDG) is looking for a highly motivated and innovative Research and Development (R&D) Scientist with expertise across detector material growth, characterization, process engineering, production yield improvement, and new detector technology introduction and development to join the R&D team at the LCDG. The primary focus of this position is to serve as a conduit between detector material growth (DTGS, DLaTGS, CBD, III-V MBE/MOCVD, and/or semiconductor epi material), building R&D laboratory, characterization and analysis, and new detector product technology introduction in order to help growth of new R&D/Engineering infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will be a strong technical/scientific contributor and multi-functional collaborator with demonstrated experience with covering a broad range of crystal growth, detector process development, detector characterization and analysis, and production yield improvement, together with demonstrated evidence such as patent applications and published journal papers. Candidate should enjoy working in a fast-paced, objective driven working environment, and be ready to tackle various challenges as the R&D/Engineering team grows.

Note: Remote or hybrid is not an option. On-site presence required. Ability to relocate Arizona (Company-paid relocation assistance available)

DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES

Design and execute complex experiments using scientific principles and design of experiments (DOEs) to support on-going tasks including the development of new detector material growth such as CBD, DTGS and DLaTGs etc., new detector R&Ds based on silicon, III-V compound semiconductor materials, and others like GaN or AlGaN etc. focusing on Solar Blind, SWIR, MWIR and/or LWIR applications.

Support the R&D Director for growing and mentoring a product and core technology R&D team. This includes leading a part of multi-disciplinary and multi-functional manufacturing engineering team, designing and developing cutting-edge opto-electronics and photonics products with focus on photodetectors and sources.

Under directions of the R&D Director, conceptualizing and then executing the incremental steps of towards forming a dedicated R&D/Engineering lab with rapid prototyping, pilot testing, design of manufacturing (DFM) capability etc.

Ability to setting-up a complex R&D laboratory inhouse for supporting all aspects of detector/source measurements including cryogenic FTIR spectral response, Photoluminescent, cryogenic IV/CV, life-time measurement, Absorption, EQE, Responsivity, and NEP etc.

Able to define R&D project plans, resources, schedules, milestones, budgets, and contingency plans to support the R&D roadmap and to ensure that on-going projects meet specifications, cost, and delivery schedule by interacting with and effectively collaborating with cross functional teams to ensure successful delivery of each product release.

Ability to provide technical leadership in all aspects of the detector/source design from the initial planning phase through volume production release by assisting internal teams in the solution of complex problems involving diverse areas of various technical disciplines.

With the R&D Director, practicing expert in key methodologies to develop robust manufacturing processes for new or enhanced product designs using Design of Manufacturing (DFM), Design of Assembly (DFA), Design to Cost (DTC), metrology tools and associated documentation including specifications, Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Control Plan.

Ability to identify, evaluate, and establish new collaborations in areas that are beneficial to the company wherein results and technology can be developed with key partners while minimizing resources consumed through cost and people sharing. For example, academia.

Under R&D/Engineering roadmap, introduce new and innovative products and processes into overall company strategy and make recommendations for the improvement and cost reduction of existing products and processes. This includes new products and processes designs, and continuous improvement of existing designs by formulating and implementing customized test plans, test routines, methods, and test fixtures for piloting the design.

Responsibility of ensuring that project outcomes are regularly communicated with the R&D Director and with senior management and coordinated with other groups/sections within the company.
Direct successful handover/transition of R&D projects with engineering or production department taking over the next phase of projects.
Ability to prepare and deliver technical presentation to customers, at public events and related industry conferences.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST JOB

PhD degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Solid-state Semiconductor Physics, and at least 10 years of relevant work experience at R&D Principal/R&D or Engineering Manager/Engineering Director/Principal Investigator/Senior Technical Management Level.

US Permanent Resident or US Citizen due to the nature of sensitive defense applications.

Minimum 10 years of industry and/or academic experience working for business areas including Material growth (Solution based crystal growth, Czochralski(CZ) growth, MBE, MOCVD etc.), Optoelectronics, Photonics, SWIR silicon optical detectors, and MWIR III-V detectors/sources in a senior level scientist/engineer, manager, or R&D technology development role.

A thorough understanding of semiconductor detector physics emphasizing on semiconductor detector material growth/characterization/test and a minimum of 10 years of experience working in any of the following areas: high-speed optical components, optical sub-assemblies, passive optical components, optical/opto-mechanical/EO product engineering experience.

Extensive experience in dealing with designing scale-up or down experiments and troubleshooting semiconductor detector production.
Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills in English required. Capable of presenting complex technical topics in a clear and structured way, ability to moderate discussions, meetings, and projects with diverse global teams. This must be demonstrated in technical presentations at conference, executive meetings, technical publications, and effective customer interactions.

Demonstrated strong leadership, collaboration, project management, problem-solving, change management, and influencing skills. Track record of delivering on large, complex development and/or process improvement projects.