The Role We're hiring a Microfabrication Engineer to develop and run the cleanroom processes behind our NV sensor chips. This spans diamond nanofabrication for improved photon collection and NV proximity, through fused-silica and diamond microfluidics for delivering analyte to the sensing surface. You'll design process flows, run them on the cleanroom, characterize the results, and iterate with the engineering team. What You'll Do Develop diamond nanofabrication process flows, including, etched pillars, tapered structures, and surface features that improve photon collection and NV coupling . Design and etch microfluidic channels in fused silica and diamond (ICP-RIE), and develop robust wafer/chip bonding and sealing for a multi-piece microfluidic carrier.

Own the full process chain:

lithography (contact/EBL), thin-film deposition, dry etching (ICP-RIE), wet processing, dicing, and cleaning, including recipe development and optimization. Characterize fabricated devices (SEM, profilometry, optical microscopy) and close the loop between process parameters and device performance. Prepare and run process flows at UCSD Nano3 and external cleanroom facilities, including writing user proposals and coordinating tool access. Explore integrated approaches to sample delivery, including microfluidic and digital-microfluidic (EWOD) architectures, and their fabrication requirements. Required Qualifications BS/MS/PhD in Materials Science, Physics, EE, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent, with hands-on cleanroom experience. Direct experience with core microfabrication processes: photolithography, dry etching (especially ICP-RIE), thin-film deposition, and metrology. Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize a process flow. Comfort with device characterization tools (SEM, profilometry) and careful, well-documented experimental work. Nice to Have Experience fabricating in diamond or other hard/wide-bandgap materials.

Microfluidics experience:

channel etching, wafer bonding, sealing, and packaging of fluidic devices. Experience with quantum, photonic, or MEMS device fabrication. Familiarity with NV centers, ion implantation, or surface termination chemistry. Track record writing successful user-facility proposals. Logistics This is an on-site role in San Diego. Compensation includes salary, benefits and early-stage equity.

Salary:

The targeted salary range for this role is $85,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience plus eligibility.

Pay:

$85,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Flexible schedule Paid time off

Work Location:

In person