Senior Equipment Engineer Metrology - Semiconductor/Photonics

About this position

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.

What will be your role?

Within this pilot line environment, advanced metrology systems play a critical role in controlling wafer processes, monitoring device performance, and ensuring high yield and product quality. Accurate and reliable measurements are essential to support process development and the transition from experimental processes to stable manufacturing.

To support the development and operation of this pilot line facility, we are looking for a Metrology Equipment Engineer. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the performance, stability, and reliability of the metrology equipment used to monitor wafer processes throughout the production flow. You will operate at the interface of equipment engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing operations, ensuring that measurement systems deliver accurate and repeatable data as the pilot line evolves towards industrial-scale photonic wafer production.

As Metrology Equipment Engineer, you are responsible for the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of metrology equipment that supports the wafer manufacturing process. You will work closely with process engineers specialized in epitaxy, lithography, dry and wet etching, and metallization to ensure that metrology tools deliver accurate and stable measurements to control the production line.
You will be part of a dynamic pilot line environment where processes and measurement requirements continuously evolve from development towards industrialisation. In this role, you ensure that metrology equipment remains stable, well-calibrated, and capable of supporting advanced photonic wafer processes as they scale towards 6-inch wafer manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure stable, reliable, and high-performing metrology equipment within the cleanroom manufacturing environment;
• Define and execute improvement projects related to equipment performance, tool stability, uptime, and measurement reliability;
• Support equipment related root cause investigations, defect analysis, and performance optimization activities;
• Ensure metrology tools are properly calibrated, maintained, and configured to provide accurate and repeatable measurement results;
• Contribute to the installation, qualification, and introduction of new metrology equipment and hardware within the pilot line;
• Troubleshoot equipment related issues affecting measurement performance or tool availability;
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams such as process integration, R&D, ICT, and operations to ensure measurement capabilities support process development and production requirements;
• Work with equipment suppliers and service engineers to maintain high tool performance and resolve technical issues;
• Provide clear documentation and reporting related to equipment performance, maintenance activities, and improvement initiatives.

What we expect from you

You are a hands-on equipment engineer with a strong analytical mindset and a solid background in semiconductor or photonics manufacturing equipment within a cleanroom environment.

You bring:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, Electronics, or a related technical discipline;
• Multiple years of experience working with semiconductor or photonics manufacturing equipment in a cleanroom environment;
• Hands-on experience with metrology or inspection tools used for wafer inspection, measurement, or process control;
• Experience with the installation, calibration and maintenance of the following equipment or equivalent is highly desired: XRD, Photo-Luminescence (PL) mapping, ECV measurements, Ellipsometry, Patterned- and Non-patterned defect inspection, (FIB-) SEM, Step-height measurements, Electrical wafer probing, etc.
• Understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and the role of inline metrology in yield monitoring and process control;
• Experience troubleshooting complex equipment issues and improving tool performance and reliability;
• Experience working with equipment suppliers for installation, maintenance, and technical support;
• A structured approach to problem solving and root cause analysis;
• The ability to work effectively in a pilot line and scale-up environment, understanding its pace and technical challenges.

What you'll get in return

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 between (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th 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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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 or 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.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

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.