Micromagnet Process Engineer

MagnetFab is a deep-tech startup introducing high-performance permanent micromagnets to semiconductor manufacturing.

Our proprietary wafer-level technology enables the fabrication of micromagnets directly on semiconductor wafers, overcoming the limitations of conventional magnets for integration into miniaturized devices. Our micromagnets are made from NdFeB, a rare-earth magnetic material used in the world’s strongest permanent magnets, combining microscopic dimensions with exceptional magnetic performance.

Building on 20 years of research at CNRS, MagnetFab is developing a technology platform that enables new generations of MEMS loudspeakers, sensors, quantum technologies, and other microsystems.

Based in Grenoble, France, we are now scaling our technology from advanced R&D toward industrial production.

We are looking for a hands-on Micromagnet Process Engineer to join our technical team and contribute directly to the development and industrialization of MagnetFab’s wafer-level micromagnet technology.

You will play a key role in developing new fabrication processes, translating device and product requirements into creative and technically realistic process solutions, and implementing them hands-on in the cleanroom. The position combines process development, experimentation, characterization and troubleshooting, with significant autonomy and ownership over technical challenges.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and execute wafer-level fabrication processes for NdFeB micromagnets, including thin-film deposition, photolithography, wet and dry etching, and related cleanroom processes.

• Translate device and product requirements into creative and technically realistic fabrication approaches, taking into account material properties, process capabilities and integration constraints.

• Develop fabrication processes involving new materials and unconventional process challenges.

• Independently troubleshoot fabrication issues, identify root causes, and design and execute experiments to solve them.

• Characterize materials, thin films and fabricated structures using techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, profilometry and magnetic characterization.

• Analyze experimental results, draw actionable conclusions and communicate findings clearly to the technical team, scientific advisors and management.

• Establish robust and reproducible process flows and maintain clear process documentation.

• Collaborate closely with the technical team and scientific advisors to design experiments and continuously improve micromagnet fabrication processes.

• Contribute to scaling our fabrication processes toward larger wafer formats and industrial production.

• Stay up to date with relevant developments in thin-film deposition, microfabrication, MEMS and related technologies.

We are looking for a hands-on, creative and pragmatic process engineer who enjoys turning challenging technical requirements into processes that actually work.

What we are looking for

• Master’s degree or PhD in microengineering, materials science, physics, microsystems engineering, or a related field.

• Strong hands-on experience in a cleanroom environment and demonstrated ability to independently develop and troubleshoot microfabrication processes.

• Hands-on experience with thin-film processes, together with experience in relevant microfabrication techniques such as photolithography, wet and dry etching, lift-off, and related processes.

• Ability to translate functional or product requirements into creative and technically realistic process solutions, combining imagination with a strong understanding of fabrication capabilities and limitations.

• Strong experimental and practical mindset, with the ability to identify root causes, prioritize the most relevant experiments, and make sound engineering decisions based on experimental results.

• High degree of autonomy, initiative and ownership, together with clear and proactive communication within the team.

• Professional working proficiency in English; good command of French or willingness to rapidly develop it.

Preferred experience

• Previous experience in an industrial R&D, semiconductor, MEMS, microsystems, or manufacturing environment.

• Experience developing fabrication processes involving new materials or unconventional process challenges.

• Experience with PVD processes, particularly sputtering.

• Experience with MEMS, microsystems, sensors, or magnetic materials.

• Familiarity with materials and magnetic characterization techniques.

• Knowledge of Python or MATLAB and/or multiphysics simulation tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS.

We value practical engineering ability, creativity, critical thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and demonstrated process-development ownership more than academic credentials or years of experience alone.