Photonics Quality Engineer

Job description

About us We're a multicultural team of experts pushing the boundaries of what's possible in integrated optics. Our mission is to make photonic integration accessible and industrially scalable. We deliver best-in-class PIC platforms, design enablement, and integrated solutions that empower our customers to innovate faster and bring light-based technologies from concept to production. About the role As a Quality Engineer at LIGENTEC, you will be instrumental in embedding world-class quality into the development and manufacturing of our low-loss integrated photonics platforms. Bridging the gap between prototype operations, technology transfer, and scalable production, you will oversee process compliance, reliability qualification, and yield optimization across our primary sites in Switzerland and France. In this hands-on, high-impact position, you will drive continuous improvement, maintain our ISO 9001 QMS, and partner closely with cross-functional deep-tech teams to ensure our cutting-edge Silicon Nitride (SiN) and Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) technologies meet the highest industry standards. Key Responsibilities * NPI & Quality in Development: Implement quality engineering principles during product development and technology transfer. Define quality gates, qualification test plans, and reliability criteria for novel integrated photonics platforms (SiN and TFLN) deployed between local cleanroom facilities (CMI EPFL) and our 200mm industrial foundry partner in France. * Risk Management: Conduct and facilitate rigorous risk assessments, including Design and Process FMEAs (Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), for technical changes and core development processes. * Operations & Manufacturing Quality: Partner with prototype, test, and production teams in Switzerland and France to optimize manufacturing processes, cycle times, yield, and overall product quality metrics. * Defect Resolution & CAPA: Lead non-conformance management (QER) and structured root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone), driving the implementation and follow-through of effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA). * Quality Control & SPC: Establish Statistical Process Control (SPC) frameworks, oversee outgoing quality checks, and establish control plans at critical production stages. * QMS Maintenance & Audits: Update and maintain Quality Management System (QMS) standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions in compliance with ISO 9001 standards. Conduct internal quality audits and support supplier and third-party audits. * Cross-Functional & PMO Support: Embed continuous improvement frameworks (Lean / Six Sigma) into daily operations spanning feasibility, prototyping, and volume production. Track and report key quality KPIs to leadership. What you bring * Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Microelectronics, Physics, or a related technical discipline. * Industry Experience: 3–5+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience within semiconductors, MEMS, microelectronics, photonics, or high-tech hardware environments. * Methodologies & Tools: Strong command of structured root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone), CAPA management, and core quality tools (FMEA, SPC, Control Plans). * Standards & Frameworks: Practical experience with ISO 9001 QMS maintenance and continuous improvement frameworks (Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a strong plus). * Mindset: An agile, pragmatic, and detail-oriented approach with the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. * Languages: Fluency in English (working language) is required; proficiency in French is a strong advantage. What we offer A dynamic role at the heart of the deep-tech revolution where your technical expertise directly impacts product adoption. You will join an international team of specialists, gain deep exposure to market-leading photonic applications, and shape how photonic integration is deployed worldwide. Practicalities * Location: Ecublens (Lausanne area), Switzerland (on-site). * Work percentage: 100%. * Languages: English is our working language, other languages (especially French) are a plus. * Home office: up to two days per week. * Start date: As soon as possible. We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please submit your application through our career page as soon as possible. If you have any questions, reach out to Manal Mohamed, HR Business Partner, at