Senior Photonics Architect | 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 realize this ambitious step, we are looking for a Senior Photonics Architect with deep expertise in integrated photonics and hands-on wafer-foundry experience. In this role, you will be responsible not only for architecting the process flow, aligning all process steps from epitaxy and lithography to plasma, metallization, and back-end, but also for shaping the foundational technology pillars of an entirely new photonics manufacturing facility.

You will play a key role in building this factory from the ground up: establishing the core integration team, defining the technology stack, and guiding the transition from initial pilot production toward a scalable, high-volume European photonics manufacturing capability.

As Senior Photonics Architect, you will take ownership of the overall integration of processes across the photonic chip manufacturing line. You will develop the integration roadmap, coordinate cross-functional teams, and act as the technical and organizational bridge between management, process engineering, equipment, and operations.

As integration architect you will develop internal flows that demonstrate the capability, reliability, and predictability of the pilot line. You will work with external stakeholders to translate their product requirements into a process flow that can run on the equipment and processes that are available in the pilot line.

A major part of your contribution will be to help build and mature a new factory environment, setting technical standards, defining design rules, shaping process libraries, and forming a strong, multidisciplinary team that can evolve from startup mode into a stable high-volume manufacturing organization.

Your focus is on optimizing integration flows, ensuring quality and reliability, and driving collaboration across disciplines.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining the vertical integration roadmap, aligning with business strategy and technology goals.
• Establishing the core technology and integration team for a new photonics factory, fostering shared ownership and strong engineering culture.
• Architecting integration flows, both for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating with management and technology partners to integrate new technologies into production.
• Identifying bottlenecks and opportunities in process step integration and initiating improvement projects.
• Designing new flows and modules, applying methods such as SPC, FMEA, and DoE to improve yield, throughput, and reliability.
• Contributing to factory setup decisions, equipment selection, facility readiness, and ramp-up strategy from pilot runs to volume production.
• Leading and coaching a multidisciplinary integration team, fostering ownership, collaboration, and technical growth.

You are a senior professional with a strong background in photonics manufacturing, experienced in process integration and cross-functional collaboration. You combine deep technical knowledge with leadership skills, and you thrive in environments where complex challenges require both strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving.

You also bring the following qualifications:

• A completed PhD in integrated photonics or very close related.
• + 7 years of proven experience in semiconductor or photonic process integration (On top of PhD or Post-docs) across multiple competence areas.
• Hands-on experience in wafer-foundry environments and familiarity with scaling technologies from development into high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of integration flows, interfaces, and interdependencies in wafer-scale manufacturing.
• Experience with statistical and analytical tools such as SPC, FMEA, DoE, and root cause analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration across engineering, operations, and equipment groups.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A proactive, strategic, and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to balance short-term priorities and long-term goals.
• Ability and enthusiasm to help build a new factory ecosystem, including teams, processes, capabilities, and culture.

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.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

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 7th 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.