Senior Scientist - Technology & Capability Centre

At SMART Photonics, we're not just developing photonic technology—we're defining its future. We're calling on experienced scientists in InP, GaN, GaAs technologies to step into a core strategic role that impacts every customer, every department, and every generation of photonic innovation to come.

If you’ve spent years working at companies that helped shaping next-gen devices and platforms in high-performance Photonics or RF semiconductors you know what it takes to push a technology. Maybe you're ready to do more than contribute. Maybe you're ready to enter our foundry—without sacrificing the support, collaboration, and human side of your work.
This is that opportunity.

Why This Role, and Why Now?

You’re in the Driver’s Seat
This role isn’t about executing someone else’s roadmap. As a Senior Scientist in our TCC you’ll shape the technological direction of SMART Photonics. You will define what capabilities we need next—across platforms, equipment, and processes.

You’re the Connective Tissue
You’ll operate at the nexus of R&D, Process Integration, Foundry Operations, Product Development, and our customers. Your work has immediate and strategic influence, both inside SMART, our partners around the globe and our ecosystem

.

You Build the Next Big Thing
We are the only pure-play foundry focused on Indium Phosphide. You’ll work in one of Europe’s most advanced cleanrooms, pushing the envelope on heterogeneous integration, advanced epitaxy, novel materials, wafer-scale integration, and high-performance lasers, modulators, and detectors.

You’re Safe, Seen, and Valued
We don’t just attract top minds—we keep them. At SMART, people stay because we’re grounded in respect, psychological safety, and trust. This is a place where experts openly collaborate, celebrate curiosity, and grow together.

Your tasks:

• Define, design, and deliver new platform capabilities and materials technologies in line with customer needs and market direction.

• Drive process and integration innovation in InP-based PICs (and possibly GaN/GaAs pathways).

• Translate customer roadmaps into scalable foundry offerings, guiding technology transfers from lab to fab.

• Represent TCC in cross-functional discussions with R&D, commercial teams, and executive leadership.

• Guide junior scientists, contribute to talent development, and help build the knowledge base of our foundry.

• Act as a technical ambassador for SMART Photonics at key industry events and with customers.

What You Bring

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.

• 10+ years experience in compound semiconductors (InP, GaN, GaAs), with deep process, device, or integration knowledge.

• Proven track record of technology definition and roadmap leadership—from concept to customer delivery.

• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams in commercial semiconductor or photonic environments.

• A mindset of ownership, curiosity, and willingness to challenge status quos in a constructive way.

Bonus Points For

• Background in foundry-scale photonics, PIC integration, or wafer-level process development.

• Experience with III-V wafer processing, heterogeneous integration, or monolithic device scaling.

• Connections within the photonic ecosystem—from startups to global OEMs.

The SMART Photonics Difference

Location – Our fab is in Eindhoven, a growing global hub for photonics and innovation.
Culture – Flat, open, personal. No egos, just experts building the future together.
Vision – We're building the photonics infrastructure that powers quantum, AI, 5G, sensing, and more.
Impact – This is where scientists don’t just contribute—they define what’s next.

Let’s Talk

If you’re looking for a place to lead with science, to drive with purpose, and to belong as yourself, then SMART Photonics is your next move.

Apply now—or reach out directly for a confidential conversation.