Senior Equipment Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization | Eindhoven

At the forefront of Europe’s photonics innovation, TNO is building a state-of-the-art pilot line for Indium Phosphide (InP) photonic chips at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. As part of the EU-funded PIXEurope program, this pilot line will enable the transition from groundbreaking research to large-scale industrial manufacturing, making advanced photonic technologies faster, more reliable, and widely accessible. To strengthen the back-end of this pilot line, we are looking for a Senior Equipment Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization. In this role, you will be responsible for the availability, reliability, and industrial scalability of wet etching and metallization equipment. With your expertise in thin film technology, back-end integration, and process qualification, you play a key role in enabling robust wafer-level manufacturing. By ensuring stable and high-performing equipment, you directly contribute to Europe’s next-generation integrated photonics capability.

As Senior Equipment Engineer Wet Etching & Metallization, you are responsible for installing, maintaining, and optimizing advanced production equipment used in the wet etch and metallization modules of the pilot line. You take full ownership of your toolsets, from installation and qualification to long-term performance and lifecycle management. Working closely with process engineers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you ensure safe, stable, and efficient wafer-scale production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing installation, modification, upgrades, and preventive/corrective maintenance of automated wet etching and metallization equipment.
• Supporting and qualifying metallization processes, thin film deposition steps, and back-end integration flows.
• Leading new tool introduction projects, including tool selection, FAT/SAT, acceptance, and release to production.
• Troubleshooting complex equipment and process-related malfunctions, performing root cause analyses, and implementing structural improvements.
• Monitoring equipment health and performance indicators (uptime, MTBF, yield), and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Managing supplier interactions, service contracts, and roadmap development for current and future equipment.
• Ensuring compliance with safety, chemical handling, and environmental regulations, maintaining accurate documentation and procedures.
• Coaching and mentoring junior engineers and technicians, acting as a technical reference and primary point of contact within the team.
• Actively contributing to cross-functional projects with process engineering, integration, and operations teams.

You are a highly experienced equipment engineer with a strong background in wet etching and metallization processes. You are comfortable taking ownership, leading installations, and operating in a high-tech cleanroom environment where reliability and precision are critical.
You also bring the following qualifications:

• A successfully completed BSc or MBO degree in a relevant technical field.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, including leadership experience in semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience with semiconductor-related equipment in wafer manufacturing and cleanroom settings.
• Strong expertise in wet etch processes, metallization, thin film technology, and back-end integration.
• Demonstrated ownership of equipment, including tool installation projects, preventive maintenance, health monitoring, and long-term performance optimization.
• Experience leading new tool introductions, including supplier selection, acceptance, and release to production.
• The ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex malfunctions across multiple tools.
• Experience in vendor management, roadmap development, and cross-functional project leadership.
• A mentoring mindset, with the ability to coach colleagues and act as a trusted technical point of contact.
• Strong communication skills, a proactive attitude, and a structured, problem-solving approach.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 11th of January, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.
A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.