Kubos Semiconductors is developing and commercialising its patented technology in cubic gallium nitride (GaN) which has the potential to significantly increase the energy efficiency and switch speed of LEDs across the visible wavelength spectrum. Kubos’ technology can provide fundamental advantages across multiple markets, namely, next generation displays (including AR/VR), high-efficiency LED lighting and optical communications.
Kubos has a small team of its own but is fabless, with all its development carried out at third party facilities including both academic institutions and commercial manufacturing facilities. From its office in Cardiff, Kubos is ideally situated in the South Wales semiconductor cluster with ease of access to the wider UK semiconductor eco-system. On completion of development, Kubos plans to license its technology to existing large OEMs and LED manufacturers, providing low barrier to entry to developers wishing to take advantage of cubic-GaN technology.
Job brief
We are looking for a Senior Technology Development Engineer excited by the prospect of making a real difference in an early-stage company. This role will support Kubos’ R&D activities on novel cubic-GaN technology, for use in microLEDs, and its delivery to the market. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience of growing III-Nitrides technologies (preferably LEDs), with several peer-reviewed publications in the field, highlighting their technical know-how in the nitride-based compound semiconductor system.
Summary of the role
- Provide valuable engineering support to Kubos R&D activities in cubic-GaN and 3C-SiC epitaxy.
- Work alongside the Technical Director and the Growth Manager as a technical peer in the III-Nitrides compound semiconductor space.
- Work with Kubos technical team to prepare and deliver each growth campaign according to the defined requirements and objectives of each session.
- Provide engineering oversight during the growth campaigns, usually at the subcontractor’s premises, with hands-on involvement in the growth and testing of the semiconductor material.
- Perform precise analytical evaluation on Kubos’ data, including growth conditions, material test, device fabrication and device test results to guide next step decision making.
- Prepare and publish detailed technical reports (growth and material test data), then work with the wider technical team to correlate this evidence with device-level fabrication and test data.
- Propose improvements and optimisations that lead to the design of high efficiency LED structures.
Responsibilities
- Developing III-Nitrides growth recipes and associated activities to deliver the desired technology outcomes, consistent with Kubos’ campaign plans.
- Performing material characterisation using techniques such as Photoluminescence, Nomarski, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction.
- Working closely with the Growth Manager and wider team on the technical plan to ensure delivery of the technology on time and within budget.
- Ensure the required resources are available prior to the start of each growth session.
- Visiting Kubos’ sub-contractors and technology partners, to oversee MOCVD growth campaigns.
- Updating company technical records to accurately record the results and conclusions of each growth campaign, in the Kubos database.
- Developing, reviewing, and discussing the outcomes of the MOCVD growths with Kubos’ technical team, providing constructive feedback to contribute to the next MOCVD growth campaigns.
- Collaborate with internal and external teams to collate and share campaign outcomes, plan future experiments that meet the milestones of Kubos’ project plans.
- Perform detailed statistical analysis on historical and new data, from end-to-end processes, to draw accurate conclusions that drive process and product improvements.
- Define and implement process improvements, internally and with suppliers, to rapidly iterate development of the epitaxy.
- Support the transfer of technology to Kubos customer base and provide quality customer support and clear documentation, exceeding customer requirements.
Requirements
- Educated to MSc or PhD Level in a relevant field such as Semiconductor Devices, Physics, Electronic Engineering or Materials Science.
- In depth knowledge of the MOCVD manufacturing process for epitaxial wafers, ideally with experience operating an Aixtron showerhead or planetary reactor or other reactor type.
- Previous studies or related work experience in epitaxial growth and/or semiconductor device fabrication in the III-Nitride material system, would be a distinct advantage.
- Experience using standard semiconductor measurement techniques such as Photoluminescence, AFM, Nomarski, and X-ray diffraction.
- A knowledge of semiconductor optical devices, including fabrication steps and device physics.
- Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail and a proficiency for problem solving.
- Experience using data analysis and visualisation tools such as JMP, Python, excel.
- A self-starter with an enthusiasm to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Strong communicator, able to effectively communicate technical information to internal and external Parties.
Other Notes
- Please note that Kubos is an SME and business needs may at times require the candidate to perform additional or alternative duties.
- This role is based in our Cardiff office, with ~0-25% UK travel per month and an expectation for occasional international travel in the future.
- This is an M-F-D role. Kubos encourages applications from all genders and backgrounds.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Workplace pension with employer matched contributions up to 5% of salary
- Hybrid working, currently a minimum of 3 days in the Cardiff office (subject to change)
- EMI share option scheme
Contact details
- For further information or to apply in writing with a copy of your CV, please email: kubos@kubos-semi.com