Process engineer photonics packaging

About this position

TNO is the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. As an independent research institute, TNO connects science and industry to accelerate innovation and translate knowledge into practical, scalable solutions. By combining in-depth technical expertise with a strong application focus, TNO supports companies and governments in addressing complex technological and societal challenges.

Within integrated photonics and advanced chip packaging, TNO brings together expertise through the Photonic Integration Technology Center (PITC) and the Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC). This creates a multidisciplinary environment in which photonic design, micro-assembly, semiconductor processing and packaging technologies converge to turn promising concepts into robust industrial solutions.

What will be your role?

As a Process Engineer Photonics Packaging, you develop and optimize assembly processes that connect photonic integrated circuits to optical, electrical, mechanical and thermal interfaces. You translate new integration concepts into reproducible and scalable process flows and validate them through structured experimental work.
You work hands-on in the laboratory, collaborating with scientists, design engineers, equipment specialists, and industrial partners. Your activities cover the entire development cycle: from process definition and tooling concepts to assembly, characterization, data analysis, and documentation. Your contribution helps bridge the gap between early-stage photonic packaging concepts and production-ready solutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing, optimizing and documenting assembly and integration processes for photonic devices, sub-assemblies and modules;
• Setting up and executing processes such as high-precision die placement, adhesive bonding, flip-chip assembly, soldering, wire bonding, fiber or optical interface attachment, and passive or active alignment;
• Designing and conducting experiments, including Design of Experiments (DoE), to gain insight into process windows and improve accuracy, yield, reliability and scalability;
• Collaborating with industrial partners and customers on national and international R&D projects and clearly reporting progress and results;
• Supporting knowledge transfer from R&D development to pilot-scale manufacturing and sharing expertise within multidisciplinary project teams.

What we expect from you

You are a hands-on and structured engineer who enjoys transforming complex integration challenges into stable processes. You work accurately, take responsibility for laboratory activities, and communicate effectively with colleagues and external partners.
What you bring:

• A BSc or MSc degree in mechanical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline;
• At least three years of relevant experience in photonics packaging, semiconductor assembly, micro-assembly, precision engineering or a similar high-tech manufacturing environment;
• Experience with structured process development, experimental design, data analysis and technical problem solving;
• Affinity with optical and electrical testing, metrology, inspection, and process qualification;
• The ability to read technical drawings and translate product requirements and tolerances into suitable process and tooling concepts;
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

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

Please apply before the 2nd of November, 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.