Planning and executing fabrication technology development projects and quantum hardware experiments. Development of dielectric processes on 3-5 semiconductor materials Development of new micro- and nanofabrication processes and qualification of the processes. Data analysis, interpretation of process and testing data to drive for continuous improvement. Implementation of process documentation and process control mechanisms Supplier management related to tool, material, and process development. Technical guidance of process engineers and machine / process technicians Excellent fundamental understanding of micro- and nanofabrication technologies and semiconductor physics. Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of typical fabrication processes, such as lithography, deposition and etch processes, and associated metrology. Hands-on attitude with the ability to use structured problem-solving techniques to drive rapid issue closure Self-motivated to take personal ownership and deliver results while working in a highly challenging environment Apply AI to accelerate engineering and lab workflows. Design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g., instrument manuals, design docs). Excellent oral & written communication & teamwork skills in English Capability and willingness for international travel, up to 25% PhD or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field. Significant experience on nanofabrication Self-driven and goal-oriented Capability to create knowledge from data and data-driven decision-making skills Capability to systematically solve problems Fluent in written & oral English Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. *
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The transition of quantum computing from laboratory-scale demonstrations to industrial-grade reliability is contingent upon the maturation of specialized nanofabrication workflows. This role type exists to bridge the structural gap between theoretical device physics and high-yield semiconductor manufacturing, addressing a critical bottleneck in the hardware layer of the quantum value chain. By institutionalizing rigorous process control and advanced material integration, this function de-risks the scaling of complex qubit architectures across multiple substrates. Verifiable market signals, including the pivot toward fault-tolerant systems and the rising demand for sub-micron patterning precision, highlight the necessity of this expertise for ecosystem-level stability. Institutional investment in this capability ensures that breakthroughs in quantum coherence are successfully translated into manufacturable hardware prototypes ready for foundry-level integration.
The quantum hardware ecosystem is currently navigating a pivotal transition from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 7, where the primary challenge lies in establishing reproducible fabrication protocols for novel materials. Within the global value chain, nanofabrication occupies a high-leverage position at the interface of experimental physics and industrial process engineering. Current macro constraints are defined by a systemic workforce shortage capable of operating at this intersection, alongside high vendor fragmentation in the specialized tool and substrate market. This fragmentation introduces significant supply chain risks, particularly concerning the purity of 3-5 semiconductor materials and the stability of dielectric deposition processes required for long-coherence qubits.
Broader sector dynamics indicate an increasing reliance on hybrid classical-quantum integration, necessitating fabrication environments that can support both exotic quantum components and standard CMOS-compatible interfaces. Public funding cycles across major economies are increasingly prioritizing "foundry-readiness," shifting the industry focus from discovery-based research to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) scalability. As a result, the ecosystem is witnessing a consolidation of process knowledge, where bespoke R&D methods are being rationalized into standardized, documented, and qualified workflows suitable for multi-site production.
Furthermore, the integration of automation and intelligent systems into laboratory environments is emerging as a critical trend to address slow iteration cycles. By digitizing process data and applying structured problem-solving methodologies, organizations are attempting to mitigate the high costs associated with manual calibration and low-yield fabrication runs. This systemic evolution is essential for moving past the limitations of Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices toward the large-scale, error-corrected architectures required for practical quantum advantage.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the conversion of deep-tech physics into stable engineering outcomes through mastery of lithography, etch, and deposition layers. At the foundational level, expertise in semiconductor physics and advanced metrology is leveraged to minimize decoherence sources arising from interfacial defects or material contamination. This structural enablement is critical for maintaining the integrity of quantum states during the fabrication of sub-100nm features, where even atomic-level variations can compromise device performance.
Furthermore, the role facilitates a high-level coupling between material science research and hardware systems engineering. By implementing statistical process control and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies, these experts ensure that individual fabrication steps are interoperable and scalable within a broader manufacturing flow. The emerging requirement to integrate AI-driven workflows—such as automated log triage and measurement report generation—represents a significant shift toward digital transformation in the cleanroom. These capabilities matter because they directly influence the structural throughput of quantum R&D, allowing for faster validation of new qubit designs and a more deterministic path to fault-tolerant hardware.
Accelerates the deterministic progression of technology readiness levels for fault-tolerant quantum hardware architectures
Mitigates systemic risks associated with material contamination by establishing rigorous cleanroom process documentation
Facilitates the transition from bespoke laboratory experiments to qualified, high-yield semiconductor foundry production lines
Reduces iteration friction in hardware development cycles through the application of structured problem-solving techniques
Strengthens the long-term competitive positioning of hardware providers by securing expertise in complex material integration
Harmonizes theoretical device physics with the practical constraints of industrial-scale micro- and nanofabrication technologies
Optimizes the lifecycle of quantum processors through the development of reproducible dielectric and semiconductor processes
Supports the scaling of quantum adoption by identifying manufacturability bottlenecks early in the design phase
Shortens the time-to-market for quantum-ready hardware by ensuring infrastructure alignment with HVM roadmaps
Improves the reliability of multi-stakeholder research initiatives through the implementation of standardized fabrication protocols
Protects capital-intensive investments in deep-tech by providing expert technical validation of emerging fabrication tools
Enables the strategic orchestration of development efforts across global networks of internal labs and external suppliers
Industry Tags: Quantum Nanofabrication, Semiconductor Physics, Process Engineering, Fault-Tolerant Hardware, Material Science, Cleanroom Operations, TRL Progression, Metrology, 3-5 Semiconductors
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