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Great Sky is a technology startup pursuing neuroscience-inspired hardware and algorithms to overcome scaling challenges in AI systems. The company is developing cryogenic photonic networks as a core part of its technology platform.
You will serve as a Photonics Process Development Engineer with end-to-end ownership of the R&D prototyping lifecycle for silicon nitride (SiN)-based passive photonic components and superconducting devices. This is a hands-on role based at a cleanroom facility near the Boulder office, with substantial influence on the pace and direction of hardware development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end prototype fabrication runs in a research cleanroom environment
- Develop, run, and optimize manufacturable fabrication processes for integrated photonic devices and superconducting devices, including SNSPDs (superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors)
- Develop and characterize unit processes including electron-beam and optical lithography, thin-film deposition, dry etching, and planarization
- Perform in-line and post-fabrication metrology (SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry) to control critical dimensions, film properties, and sidewall quality
- Track yield, uniformity, and process variation; lead root-cause analysis of fabrication issues
- Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and establish stable Processes of Record (POR)
- Define and maintain design rules and layer-stack information for internal Process Design Kits (PDKs)
- Collaborate with design, test, packaging, and systems integration teams to correlate device performance with fabrication metrics and accelerate design-build-test-learn cycles
The company offers meaningful equity ownership, employer-matched 401(k), comprehensive health/dental/vision/life insurance, flexible PTO, and support for ongoing learning and conference attendance. Culture is onsite by default with flexibility for hybrid arrangements.
REQUIREMENTS:
- BS, MS, or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, optics, materials science, or related field; or equivalent practical experience
- Hands-on experience in microfabrication, nanofabrication, or semiconductor processing
- Experience fabricating devices on at least one platform: silicon photonics, silicon nitride, or superconducting electronics
- Hands-on experience with core cleanroom processes: e-beam or optical lithography, thin-film deposition (LPCVD, PECVD, sputtering), reactive ion etching
- Skill with process metrology and characterization tools (SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry)
- Track record of developing, documenting, and troubleshooting fabrication processes using data
PREFERRED:
- Experience with SNSPD fabrication, including superconducting thin films (NbN, NbTiN, WSi)
- Experience with low-loss SiN waveguide processing (thick LPCVD SiN, stress management, high-temperature annealing, CMP)
- Experience with heterogeneous or hybrid integration methods (bump bonding, fusion bonding)
- Experience transferring processes to external fabs or working with foundries
- Familiarity with GDS tools (e.g., KLayout) for mask preparation and pattern data checks
- Previous fabrication experience in shared, multi-user facilities (university cleanrooms, national laboratories, advanced commercial R&D centers)
