Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science preferred.
Extensive experience with DUV systems at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths.
Deep understanding of photochemistry and surface chemistry related to contamination mechanisms.
Proven track record in addressing contamination-driven performance issues.
Familiarity with organic/inorganic contamination sources and UV-induced chemical reactions.
Experience in contamination-sensitive environments like cleanrooms.
Strong analytical skills in connecting chemical mechanisms to system performance.
Responsibilities
Own and advance the contamination control strategy for DUV laser manufacturing.
Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms.
Evaluate and select materials for compatibility with deep-UV exposure.
Develop and qualify cleaning and handling processes based on chemical principles.
Lead root cause analysis of failures induced by DUV exposure.
Model and validate contamination transport and photo-induced reactions experimentally.
Collaborate with R&D to implement lab DUV solutions into manufacturing processes.
Define specifications and cleanliness requirements related to contamination.
Engage suppliers for audits focusing on chemical cleanliness and material compatibility.
Mentor junior engineers, serving as a subject-matter expert in DUV chemistry.
Benefits
Opportunity to influence materials selection and long-term system reliability.
Involvement in cutting-edge technology within the DUV laser manufacturing space.
Mentorship opportunities to lead and guide junior engineers.
Access to collaborative work with R&D for innovative process solutions.
Engagement with suppliers for optimizing material compatibility and cleanliness.
Full Job Description
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong chemistry foundation to lead manufacturing and contamination control for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems operating at 266 nm and shorter wavelengths. This role requires deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and contamination mechanisms that limit performance and lifetime in DUV optical systems. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience diagnosing and mitigating chemically driven degradation in high-energy UV environments.
This is a technically deep role with significant influence on materials selection, process definition, and long-term system reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
Own and advance contamination control strategy for DUV laser manufacturing (≤266 nm)
Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials
Evaluate and select materials (polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, cleaners) for compatibility with deep-UV exposure
Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface-science principles
Lead root cause analysis of DUV-induced failures
Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption, and photo-induced reactions in DUV environments
Work closely with R&D to translate laboratory-scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes
Define contamination-related specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria
Support supplier engagement and audits focused on chemical cleanliness and material compatibility
Mentor junior engineers and act as a subject-matter expert in DUV contamination and chemistry
Advanced degree in Chemistry (strongly preferred), Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
Extensive hands-on experience with DUV systems at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research
Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep-UV irradiation
Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination-driven performance or lifetime limitations
Knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, outgassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV-induced chemical reactions
Experience working in contamination-sensitive environments (cleanrooms, precision optics manufacturing)
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system-level behavior
Experience with surface analysis or contamination diagnostics including XPS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, TOF-SIMS, residual gas analysis preferred
Background in reliability engineering for UV optical systems preferred
Experience defining cleanliness standards for high-energy UV or photolithography-related applications preferred
About IPG Photonics
IPG Photonics is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. IPG Photonics' diverse lines of low, medium and high-power lasers and amplifiers are used in materials processing, communications, entertainment, medical, biotechnology, scientific and advanced applications.
