Photonics Lab and Cleanroom Manager
Are you a scientist or R&D engineer with hands-on experience in lasers and semiconductor or MEMS cleanrooms, ready to take the next step? At Lightium, we are building next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and we are looking for a Photonics Lab and Cleanroom Manager to become the technical lighthouse of our cleanroom and optical labs.
Position Summary
We seek a practical Photonics Lab and Cleanroom Manager to lead the technical operations of our cleanroom and optical laboratories, which host both R&D activities and production process steps with dedicated operators. You will settle cleanroom discipline, coordinate tool maintenance with tool owners, help plan the cleanroom expansion, and take on the role of Laser Safety Officer for our Class 3B laser setups, keeping the lab physically and methodologically lean for both exploratory work and a stable production flow.
Key Responsibilities
Cleanroom Operations & Discipline: Own the daily technical operation of our cleanroom, covering BEOL metrology, characterization, and processing of TFLN PICs for both R&D and production. Enforce Kaizen and 5S practices, organize cable and fiber management across optical setups, and establish chemical handling and waste management procedures that staff and auditors can trust.
Cleanroom Expansion & Lab Setup: Lead the technical planning of our cleanroom expansion, including layout, airflow, gowning, and process area definition. Specify wet benches, process gas lines, ventilation, and chemical distribution with suppliers and contractors, and support the design of optical setups for repeatability, ergonomics, and safety.
Equipment & Tool Maintenance: Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance of cleanroom tools from an infrastructure standpoint, working with the metrology, characterization, and process teams as tool owners. Keep maintenance records, spare parts, and service contracts in order, and monitor stock of consumables and PPE.
Laser & EHS Safety: Take on the role of Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for the company, covering our Class 3B laser setups. Maintain laser interlocks, signage, PPE, and training records, and support broader EHS, cleanroom, and quality policies.
Procedures, Training & Continuous Improvement: Develop and maintain cleanroom and optical lab procedures as living documents, run onboarding and refresher training, and continuously improve workflows together with the R&D and production teams.
What You’ll Bring
Educational Background: PhD or MSc in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, materials science, microtechnology, or a related field, with 5+ years of hands-on R&D experience in a semiconductor, MEMS, photonics, or comparable high-tech cleanroom.
Technical Expertise: Solid experience with optical setups and lasers; an existing laser safety certificate and willingness to become our LSO is a strong asset. Deep familiarity with cleanroom protocols, wafer handling, chemical safety, and process tool environments. Experience with ISO 14644, ISO 9001, IEC 60825 and SEMI standards is a plus.
Mindset: Exposure to Kaizen / 5S / lean methodologies, or a genuine interest in applying them in a scientific setting. A clear motivation to move from pure research into a role where you shape how science is done. Scientifically credible and respected by peers, pragmatic, and comfortable in a fast-moving startup.
Languages: Fluency in English is required. German or Swiss German is a strong asset for dealing with local suppliers, subcontractors, and authorities.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), fully-covered Pillar Two, and generous vacation.
A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.
Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
- Locations
- Zürich
About Lightium AG
Just as silicon chips reshaped electronics, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are poised to revolutionize how we process, store, and transmit data. As data creation and consumption explode, transmission speeds struggle to keep up.
We are proud to be Europe’s first company to offer a high-volume, production-grade foundry platform based on our proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This material outperforms traditional silicon photonics in speed, power efficiency, and overall performance.
We are positioned at the forefront of photonics, enabling ultra-high speeds for our connected world.