Materials Scientist

Berkeley, CA (On-site)            ·         Full time

About the job

About Sonera Magnetics:

Sonera is developing novel sensing technology for high-performance, non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the goal of connecting minds and machines. Our mission is to democratize access to the brain by capturing the power of massive machines in ubiquitous devices. We are building a team of technical experts and visionaries who are driven by the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the world.

Position Summary:

We are looking for an outstanding, hands-on scientist or engineer with an in-depth materials science knowledge, to join our sensor development efforts. Work will focus on sputtering, characterization and iterative optimization of the magnetic materials and stacks used in our system – both on bare substrates as well as on functional sensor devices. The ideal candidate will have experience with sputter deposition and advanced characterization of magnetic thin films, at both DC and RF frequencies, as well as a strong technical understanding of magnetism, magnetoelectronics and magnetization dynamics. This person should be confident in taking on project management responsibilities, and comfortable with creative problem solving in a startup environment.

Requirements

• Sputter thin-film magnetic materials and stacks (multilayers, heterostructures) on a variety of substrates – different materials, sizes, and patterning conditions
• Perform photolithography as well as standard cleanroom processing to prepare samples for deposition and patterning
• Characterize thin-film material stacks using standard metrology tools (e.g., SEM, VSM, MPMS, FMR) as well as custom systems
• Analyze data to iteratively optimize materials processing and properties towards the goal of achieving preset performance metrics for Sonera’s sensors
• Comfortable with instrumentation and hands-on work, be proactive in identifying and resolving technical problems
• Contribute towards the materials development strategies – proposing and investigating potential improvements to current approaches

Core Skills and Experience:

• PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (recent graduates welcome to apply)
• Experience with physical vapor deposition of thin-film magnetic materials and stacks, especially under different types of sputtering
• Experience with magnetic characterization tools and techniques
• Experience with studying processing-structure-property correlations and iteratively optimizing film stacks
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills, strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and written

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with magnetic and multiferroic materials
• Experience with operating and troubleshooting high vacuum systems
• Experience with photolithography and cleanroom processing methods
• Experience with a broad assortment of materials characterization tools (e.g., XRD, SEM, XPS), static magnetic (e.g., VSM, MPMS) as well as high frequency magnetic characterization (e.g., FMR)
• Experience integrating deposited materials with devices and optimizing the performance of a combined system
• Experience with experimental automation via Python or similar

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options, 401(k)
• Health, vision, dental coverage
• Flexible time-off policy, paid parental leave

This position will require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Please note that any offer for employment will be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Sonera Magnetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis or perception of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

It is company policy to perform background checks and review candidate references. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Sonera Magnetics, Inc. participates in the E-Verify Program.

Please click here to apply.