Summary
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is currently seeking a highly motivated entry-level MOCVD Engineers support the operation and optimization of Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) equipment used in the fabrication of compound semiconductor materials. This position provides an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career engineers to develop expertise in epitaxial growth, semiconductor manufacturing, process characterization, and production support while working alongside experienced engineering professionals.
Job Duties
-
Assist with the operation of MOCVD systems for epitaxial growth of compound semiconductor materials.
-
Monitor growth runs and collect process and characterization data.
-
Document growth parameters, characterization results, and production records.
-
Support quality control activities, yield monitoring, and process data analysis.
-
Assist in troubleshooting basic process and equipment issues under the guidance of senior engineers.
-
Support routine maintenance and preventive maintenance activities on MOCVD equipment.
-
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and MOCVD safety protocols, including safe handling of hazardous materials and gases.
-
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process consistency, quality, and equipment performance.
-
Prepare technical reports and maintain accurate engineering documentation.
-
Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, and quality teams to support production objectives.
Job Requirements
-
0–2 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing, research, internships, co-ops, or university laboratory work.
-
Recent graduates with relevant coursework and hands-on laboratory or research experience are encouraged to apply.
-
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field.
-
Experience with commercial MOCVD equipment for semiconductor epitaxial growth.
-
Coursework or laboratory experience in one or more of the following:
- Semiconductor materials and devices
- Compound semiconductors
- Thin-film deposition
- Epitaxy
- Crystal growth
- Vacuum systems
- Semiconductor fabrication
- Materials characterization
-
Basic understanding of compound semiconductor materials such as InP or GaAs.
-
Familiarity with MOCVD, CVD, or related deposition processes through coursework, research, or laboratory experience is preferred.
-
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
-
Ability to learn new processes and work effectively in a manufacturing environment.
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
-
Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual needs
-
Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
-
Unused PTO payout at end of the year
-
Relocation package available within US
-
Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)
Skills Required
- 0–2 years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing, research, internships, co-ops, or university laboratory work
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with commercial MOCVD equipment for semiconductor epitaxial growth
- Coursework or laboratory experience in semiconductor materials and devices, compound semiconductors, thin-film deposition, epitaxy, crystal growth, vacuum systems, semiconductor fabrication, or materials characterization
- Basic understanding of compound semiconductor materials such as InP or GaAs
- Familiarity with MOCVD, CVD, or related deposition processes through coursework, research, or laboratory experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to learn new processes and work effectively in a manufacturing environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Currently authorized to work in the United States
What We Do
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. | NASDAQ: AAOI AOI is a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber optic networking products. We primarily serve three growing end-markets: cable television broadband, fiber-to-the-home, and internet data centers. We are vertically integrated with a product portfolio from laser chips, components, sub-assemblies and modules, to complete turn-key equipment. All three of our end-markets are driven by bandwidth demand fueled by the growth of network connected devices, such as video traffic, cloud computing and online social networking. To address this increased demand, CATV and telecommunications service providers are investing to improve their networks in competition to deliver voice, video, and data services to their subscribers. Rising bandwidth consumption is also driving demand for higher speed server connections in the internet data center market. As a result of these trends, fiber optic networking technology has become fundamental in all three of our target markets to meet these needs. Our vertical integration, broad product lines, and in-house design capability uniquely position AOI to serve these markets and offer us the flexibility to address tomorrow's fiber optic applications. To learn more about our company and products, we invite you to visit our website. Website www.ao-inc.com Facebook tinyurl.com/ycxcsbwx Instagram tinyurl.com/rqsbpk5 Twitter tinyurl.com/rd6dtvn






