Process Engineer - Semiconductor Processes

Quandela · Palaiseau, France

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company’s unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors. Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation 🚀 Role Overview We are looking for a Process Engineer to support the development, stabilization and industrialization of our semiconductor fabrication processes. At our current stage of maturity, this position combines advanced process development, hands-on R&D and manufacturing engineering. The Process Engineer will play a key role in bridging the gap between Advanced R&D and Production, transforming newly developed process building blocks into robust, repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes. The role will have a strong focus on dry etching processes, particularly ICP and RIE, as well as PECVD and metal evaporation. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D teams, fabrication engineers, equipment owners and cleanroom operators to improve process capability, reproducibility, yield and production throughput. This is a highly hands-on position requiring a strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication, rigorous experimental methodology and the ability to investigate complex interactions between process parameters and device performance. Key Responsibilities Process Development & Industrialization Develop, optimize and stabilize semiconductor fabrication processes, with a primary focus on ICP / RIE dry etching, PECVD deposition and metal evaporation. Validate and qualify new fabrication equipment and associated processes. Define process windows, recipes, operating conditions and acceptance criteria. Use structured experimentation, including Design of Experiments (DoE) where appropriate, to understand process sensitivities and optimize performance. Improve process repeatability, reproducibility, robustness and within-wafer / wafer-to-wafer homogeneity. Prepare processes and equipment for increasing wafer sizes, batch sizes and production volumes. R&D to Production Transfer Act as a key technical interface between Advanced R&D and Production. Convert R&D process building blocks into stable, documented and manufacturable processes. Assess manufacturability, scalability and process risks before transfer to production. Define qualification plans and acceptance criteria before releasing new or modified processes to production. Lead or contribute to Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for critical fabrication steps, identifying potential failure modes, their effects on device performance and appropriate prevention and control measures. Translate PFMEA outcomes into process controls, monitoring plans, acceptance criteria, Control Plans and documentation. Support technology transfer through clear documentation, operator training and technical communication. Process Control & Yield Improvement Monitor and improve production process performance, yield and throughput. Establish regular process checks, controls and monitoring methodologies, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) where relevant. Detect process drifts, investigate deviations and define corrective and preventive actions. Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting activities for yield losses, process excursions and equipment-related issues. Define and maintain relevant process KPIs and contribute to continuous-improvement initiatives. Promote best practices that increase process stability, repeatability and equipment utilization. Equipment & Production Support Provide hands-on technical support to cleanroom operators and production teams. Support equipment qualification, troubleshooting and process recovery following equipment interventions. Work closely with equipment suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical issues. Contribute to a safe, disciplined and efficient cleanroom environment. Process Characterization & Data Analysis Characterize the impact of fabrication parameters on material and device performance. Correlate process data with structural, optical and electrical characterization results. Use experimental data to identify process sensitivities, failure mechanisms and optimization opportunities. Develop appropriate data-analysis tools to support process monitoring and engineering decisions. Search and analyze scientific and technical literature to support process development and troubleshooting. Documentation & Communication Create and maintain