Focal Plane Engineer

As a Focal Plane Engineer, your main responsibilities include leading the development of focal plane arrays post-epitaxial growth. You'll focus on front-end processes such as detector array fabrication and indium bump application, manage ROIC processing and hybridization, and oversee backend processing including shimming, polishing, and AR coating. Your role will also involve evaluating processes, setting configurations, and facilitating continuous improvements to drive efficient production.

To be considered for the Focal Plane Engineer role, you should hold a Master's or Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Material Science, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar fields. Experience in IR detector processing, hybridization, and backend processing is essential. Additionally, familiarity with cleanroom environments, control software packages, and programming environments is required to thrive in this position.

The Focal Plane Engineer plays a vital role in enhancing production efficiency by evaluating existing processes and implementing best practices. By fostering a culture of creativity and results-driven outcomes, you'll lead a team through the complexities of FPA builds, ensuring that every aspect, from initial configurations to final production, is executed seamlessly while minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

Your application for the Focal Plane Engineer position will stand out if you demonstrate a strong background in semiconductor device physics, IR development, and production processes. Skills in manufacturing and industrial engineering are a bonus and showcase your ability to integrate complex custom equipment effectively. Additionally, proficiency in data analysis tools and experience with iterative design principles will enrich your candidacy.

As a Focal Plane Engineer, the base salary range is between $120,715 and $150,895, plus bonuses and benefits. The exact salary within this range depends on various factors such as your location, skills, experience, and education. This transparency in compensation ensures you're aware of what you can expect while considering your potential impact at our company.

When answering, emphasize specific projects you've worked on, detailing your hands-on experience with detector array fabrication processes, and highlight how your contributions led to improvements in efficiency or quality.

Discuss your methods for process evaluation, such as using data analysis to identify bottlenecks, then outline the strategies you implement for continuous improvement, showcasing any successful outcomes.

Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams in the past, focusing on your communication skills and approach to integrating different perspectives for successful project outcomes.

Detail your hands-on experience with backend processes, explaining the techniques you used and discussing any challenges faced during AR coating, along with how you overcame them.

Provide a specific example that illustrates your risk management approach. Highlight your process for identifying potential risks and how you implemented mitigation strategies to ensure successful project completion.

This is a chance to demonstrate your communication skills. Choose a concept, break it down into simple terms, and ensure the context is relatable, showcasing your ability to make complex topics accessible.

Explain your prioritization process by discussing tools or methodologies you use, such as agile practices, to balance multiple projects and maintain efficiency while meeting deadlines.

Talk about your experiences working in cleanroom settings, emphasizing your knowledge of protocols, equipment, and the importance of maintaining strict standards to uphold product integrity.

Share your conflict resolution strategies, highlighting the importance of open communication, collaboration, and finding common ground to maintain a productive work environment.

In your response, highlight your passion for technology and innovation. Discuss specific examples of innovations you've contributed to or witnessed, explaining why they inspire you to push the boundaries in your work.