Microfabrication and Prototyping Engineer (Postdoc) at Sonus Microsystems — NeverHard
Microfabrication and Prototyping Engineer (Postdoc) at Sonus Microsystems in Vancouver, Greater Vancouver. Skills: Cleanroom, DEMs, Etching, Laboratory Testing, Lithographic Fundamentals. Apply on NeverHard.
Company
Sonus Microsystems
Location
Vancouver, Greater Vancouver
Type
full_time
Required skills:
Cleanroom
DEMs
Etching
Laboratory Testing
Lithographic Fundamentals
Nanofabrication
Prototyping
Thin Film Deposition
Transducers
Job DescriptionJob Description
Who We Are:
Sonus Microsystems is leveraging state-of-the-art and patented polymer MEMS technology to develop an affordable imaging diagnostic device aimed at transforming clinical screening and remote patient monitoring. Our proprietary technology involves fabrication of polymer-based Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers (polyCMUTs), which have unique characteristics that enable the use of ultrasound in applications not previously possible. Our technology has applications in various markets, including healthcare, non-destructive testing, and consumer electronics products.
We are expanding our R&D team through the MITACS Accelerate program and are seeking a highly skilled researcher to help us develop a new class of ultrasound transducers.
Who You Are:
We are looking for a hands-on microfabrication and prototyping engineer or scientist (postdoc or graduate-level) with strong experience in cleanroom processes, MEMS fundamentals, rapid prototyping, and laboratory testing. You will work directly on the fabrication and characterization of advanced polymer MEMS transducers, contributing to process development, device iteration, and experimental validation.
Responsibilities:
Microfabrication and Cleanroom Work
Develop, optimize, and execute fabrication steps for polymer MEMS devices and new transducer structures.
Perform lithography, thin-film deposition (e-beam evaporation or sputtering), etching, photoresist processing, and wafer dicing.
Operate cleanroom tools and maintain detailed process records
Prototyping and Assembly
Build and iterate physical prototypes using cleanroom tools, benchtop equipment, and rapid-prototyping methods
Perform wire bonding, alignment, packaging, and device assembly
Produce small-batch fabrication runs for experimental evaluation.
Device characterization
Conduct electrical measurements using impedance analyzers, network analyzers, and related tools
Perform acoustic measurements using hydrophones and laser Doppler vibrometers
Analyze signals and datasets using MATLAB or Python
Document results and propose next-step design or process improvements
Research and Documentation
Collaborate with Sonus engineers and scientists on design iterations, process troubleshooting, and experimental planning
Review literature and patents to support innovation and identify improvements
Contribute to the development of manufacturing protocols and technology scale-up
Qualifications:
Required
PhD in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
Strong hands-on experience in microfabrication and cleanroom environments, demonstrated by prior projects or publications
Working knowledge of MEMS fabrication principles and device behaviors
Experience building prototypes and performing laboratory measurements
Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow structured experimental workflows
Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Preferred (Asset but not required)
Experience with polymer MEMS fabrication or soft materials processing
Familiarity with CMUTs or ultrasound technologies
FEM simulation experience (COMSOL or ANSYS)
Experience with hydrophone-based acoustic testing or optical metrology
Knowledge of mask design tools (L-Edit, KLayout, CleWin)
Experience with PCB design, assembly and electronics prototyping
Working environment:
Hands-on microfabrication work will be performed at UBC's and SFU cleanroom facilities as well as Sonus' R&D labs
The role involves interdisciplinary collaboration with MEMS designers, process engineers, material scientists, and system engineers
The role is ideal for individuals who enjoy experimental problem-solving, rapid iteration, and working on transformative early-stage technology
We Encourage Diverse Perspectives
We believe that varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us solve complex problems, and recognize that expertise and potential are not always captured by a job description, so if you can help drive our mission forward, we encourage you to apply!
**Please note that we are not able to provide immigration sponsorship at this time**