Semiconductor Process Engineer

Company Description

Vertical Semiconductor, a venture-backed MIT spin-out, is leading the development of vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power electronics to build the foundational power layer for the next generation of compute and AI.

Role Overview

We're hiring a Semiconductor Process Engineer to join the team fabricating our vertical GaN devices. This is a hands-on, high-impact role focused on running process steps quickly and reliably.

We’re looking for a process engineer to spend a majority of their time in the cleanroom fabricating devices and test structures. You’ll work closely with the fabrication team, receiving training on each step within the process, and ultimately sharing the responsibility of device fabrication from start to finish with other team members. Being a startup, we want to make full use of the cleanroom hours and request flexible work hours in the form of either early mornings or late evenings from fabrication team members. This is a great fit for an early or mid-career engineer who wants to build deep, practical fabrication skills in a wide range of techniques and see their work translate directly into working devices. Responsibilities and compensation will scale based on relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

· Execute end-to-end steps through established process recipes, maintaining tight adherence to process documentation and run logs

· Support fast iteration on fabrication cycles, helping reduce overall cleanroom cycle time through efficient tool scheduling and handoffs

· Perform routine inspections to verify process quality and flag deviations early

· Assist with substrate preparation and dicing of incoming wafer material

· Maintain clear, accurate process records to support troubleshooting and knowledge sharing across the team

· Coordinate tool reservations and work alongside other engineers in a shift-based coverage model to maximize cleanroom throughput

· Contribute to process improvements and support exploratory work as capacity allows

Required Qualifications

· B.S., M.S., or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

· Prior hands-on cleanroom experience

· Familiarity with standard microfabrication processes such as photolithography, deposition, wet and dry etching techniques, and metallization

· Comfortable operating and following detailed standard operating procedures for sensitive cleanroom equipment

· Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes some early mornings and/or late evenings to support cleanroom coverage. See Location, Schedule & Working Conditions section below for more details.

· Strong attention to detail and disciplined record-keeping

· A collaborative, hands-on mentality and the drive to learn quickly in a fast-moving startup environment

Nice to Have

· Direct experience with GaN, SiC, or other compound semiconductor processing

· Experience with probe station measurements or basic device characterization

· Familiarity with wafer dicing and substrate handling

· Exposure to process development or yield improvement work

· Experience developing patent materials

Location, Schedule & Working Conditions

This role is based on-site at our offices in Somerville, MA and our nearby cleanroom.

This position will have a flexible schedule to support extended laboratory access. Candidates must be comfortable with hours in the early morning, evening, and/or over weekends as a regular part of this role.

Values & Culture Fit

Vertical Semiconductor is seeking an engineer who is not only capable of accelerating the technical vision of the company but is also willing to get involved in the day-to-day execution of a startup. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys tackling complex engineering challenges, is comfortable with a hands-on approach in a collaborative arena, and thrives in a startup environment where they can make an immediate impact. We value integrity, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, and a passion for creating transformative technology that can change industries and improve the world.

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with participation in our stock option program that is commensurable with candidates' experience and impact.