Senior Equipment Engineer Plasma | 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 help bring this ambitious step to life, we are looking for a Senior Equipment Engineer Plasma. In this role, you will work with advanced plasma deposition and etching equipment (PECVD/ICP/RIE) that forms a critical part of our pilot line. Your expertise will ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of tools from leading vendors such as SPTS, LAM, AMAT, and Oxford Instruments. By keeping these systems at peak performance, you directly contribute to Europe’s next-generation capability in integrated photonics.

As Senior Equipment Engineer Plasma, you are responsible for installing, maintaining, and optimizing advanced plasma production equipment within a cleanroom environment. You take ownership of preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot complex malfunctions, and lead equipment lifecycle management. Working closely with process engineers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you ensure stable and efficient wafer-scale manufacturing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing installation, modification, upgrades, and preventive/corrective maintenance of PECVD,ICP, RIE and related plasma equipment.
• Troubleshooting malfunctions, performing root cause analyses, and implementing structural solutions to improve uptime and reliability.
• Selecting, evaluating, and commissioning new tools, coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Supervising FAT/SAT and installation processes for new equipment.
• Monitoring equipment performance data (yield, uptime, MTBF), identifying trends, and driving continuous improvement measures.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and training users in safe equipment operation.
• Leading improvement projects, mentoring junior engineers and technicians, and acting as a sparring partner within the equipment engineering team and the process engineering team.

You are an experienced engineer with deep expertise in plasma systems and a proven track record in semiconductor equipment engineering. You thrive in a cleanroom environment, enjoy working with high-tech tools, and are motivated by the opportunity to shape a pilot line at the forefront of integrated photonics.

You also bring the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent vocational degree) in a relevant technical field.
• In-depth knowledge of plasma processes (PECVD/ICP/RIE) and experience with automated systems from vendors such as SPTS, LAM, AMAT, or Oxford Instruments.
• Proven experience with semiconductor-related equipment in wafer manufacturing or cleanroom environments.
• A strong track record in equipment ownership: installations, upgrades, preventive maintenance, and performance monitoring.
• The ability to independently troubleshoot malfunctions, coordinate with suppliers, and manage equipment lifecycles.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including leadership in tool installation projects, vendor management, and roadmap development.
• Coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide junior engineers and act as a knowledge point within the team.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.

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:

The bullets below are examples only. Please determine the order on the basis of the target group’s priorities and, if necessary, make additions.

• 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 18th of October, 2025. 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.