About OLIX

AI is growing faster than any technology in history and the explosion in demand has created a massive infrastructure gap; we can no longer build chips or power stations fast enough to keep up. The industry is still leaning on a ten-year-old hardware blueprint that has reached its limit. A new paradigm that is faster and more efficient will be the biggest economic opportunity of the next century and create the most important company of the next decade. OLIX is building this next paradigm; the Optical Tensor Processing Unit (OTPU) achieves performance and energy efficiency that is impossible to match from existing chips.

The Role

We’re searching for a Process Technician to support the development, execution, and maintenance of bespoke fabrication flows for advanced micro-optical and MEMS-based devices. You’ll play a key hands-on role in translating R&D concepts into reliable, repeatable process steps by running experiments, operating core cleanroom tools, and ensuring high-quality data capture.This role is deeply practical, spending the majority of time in the cleanroom executing defined process sequences, preparing materials, inspecting results, and maintaining equipment. You’ll work closely with process engineers, partner fabs, and equipment suppliers to uphold process discipline and push capability forward.

Responsibilities:

• Process execution & support: run lithography, deposition, etch, bonding, and metrology steps according to engineer-defined procedures; ensure consistent wafer handling and accurate process recording.

• Rapid prototyping assistance: support fast development cycles from mask load to measured die, preparing materials, running split lots, and surfacing observations that accelerate iteration.

• Equipment operation & upkeep: act as primary operator for key tools; perform routine checks, calibrations, and first-line troubleshooting, escalating issues to engineers or vendors as needed.

• Metrology & inspection: carry out profilometry, optical/SEM inspection, CD measurements, and other characterisation steps; ensure measurements are logged cleanly and traceably.

• Process discipline & documentation: follow SOPs, safety standards, and cleanroom protocols; update run sheets and equipment logs as process flows evolve.

• Cross-team collaboration: support engineers, external partners, and tool manufacturers during qualifications, trials, and process transfers.

• Data collection & organisation: maintain structured run records, track process parameters, and support DOE/SPC efforts by supplying clean data sets.

• Knowledge capture: assist with documenting updated recipes, procedures, and equipment performance; contribute to internal reviews and improvement sessions.

Skills & Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in semiconductor or MEMS or photonics, or other advanced micro-fabrication environments.

• Hands-on experience operating in the following process areas: photolithography, plasma etch (RIE/ICP), thin-film deposition (PECVD/ALD), wafer bonding, and wet etch.

• Strong cleanroom discipline and adherence to ISO-class protocols.

• Comfortable executing detailed SOPs, managing wafers and substrates, and documenting results with precision.

• Experience with metrology tools such as profilometry, ellipsometry, optical microscopy, and SEM.

• Familiarity with SPC concepts and structured data logging (Excel, LIMS, JMP, etc.).

• HNC/HND, B.Tech., or B.Sc. in Materials, Electronics, Physics, Engineering, or similar field; equivalent hands-on industry experience is also valued.

• Clear communicator; able to work effectively with engineers and external partners in fast-moving development environments.

• Experience supporting process transfer, tool qualification, or pilot-line builds is a plus.

• Working familiarity with characterisation methods such as profilometry, interferometry, spectral testing, or SEM imaging.

Nice to have:

• Exposure to wafer-level packaging, device singulation, optical inspection, or electrical/optical test setups.

Compensation & Equity

• Competitive Salary: commensurate with your experience, skills, and location.

• Equity & Ownership: Meaningful stock options. You’re not just joining the mission; you’re owning a piece of it.

• Proximity Bonus: We value your time. To minimise your commute and maximise your life, we offer a £24k annual Living-Local Bonus if your residence is within 20 minutes of the office.

Health & Wellbeing

• Premium Healthcare: Comprehensive BUPA medical and dental cover, including Medical History Disregarded (MHD), for complete peace of mind.

• Time Off: 25 days of annual leave, plus all UK bank holidays.

The Workspace & Tech

• Elite Hardware: M4 Macs come as standard, with M4 Pro upgrades for our engineering team. We will provide whatever you need to do your best work.

• Optimal Environment: High-spec noise-cancelling headphones and a fully ergonomic workstation designed for deep focus.

• Rapid Prototyping: Access to our high-performance 3D printing lab for work, experimentation, and personal creative projects.

Life at the Office

• Chef-prepared meals: if you need to work late.

• Caffeine on Us: We’ve got you covered with a tab at our favourite local coffee shop.

Relocation & Global Mobility

• Visa Sponsorship: We hire the best in the world. We offer full UK and international visa sponsorship.

• Seamless Relocation: Whether you’re moving across the country or across the globe, our dedicated relocation partner provides funding and concierge support to get you settled.

Due to U.S. export control regulations, candidates’ eligibility to work at OLIX depends on their most recent citizenship or permanent residency status. We are generally unable to consider applicants whose most recent citizenship or permanent residence is in certain restricted countries (currently including Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Venezuela). Applicants who have subsequently obtained citizenship or permanent residency in another country not subject to these restrictions may still be eligible.