Micro Nanofabrication Process Engineer

Avery is a trailblazer in developing transformative technologies to solve the world’s most pressing biological and industrial challenges. We are building the world’s first fully automated genetic engineering platform—an end-to-end system that integrates novel semiconductor-based chips to scale the synthesis, assembly, and testing of genetic components in both cell-free and cellular environments. This unified platform bridges the digital and biological realms, enabling unprecedented speed and precision in bioengineering.

Our mission is to revolutionize industries—from drug discovery and precision medicine to advanced materials and sustainable agriculture—by unlocking the full potential of programmable biology.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of biotechnology and want to work at the cutting edge of science and engineering, we’d love to hear from you. Help us unlock and accelerate the engineering of life.

As a Process Engineer, you will bring expertise in micro nanofabrication to deliver innovative solutions to help drive Avery’s technology development. You will advance multiple chip technologies as well as the supporting systems, while supporting the downstream biological use cases. You will collaborate closely with other scientists, engineers, and product teams to ensure that the surfaces you develop are effective and aligned with specific needs.

This role has broad visibility within Avery and will support several technical platforms by bringing up new processes and metrologies to meet functional requirements. You should be comfortable working across disciplines, adapting to shifting priorities, and communicating complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This role requires a strong background in micro nanofabrication. The ideal candidate will also have a strong knowledge of electrical engineering and experience working with chip-based biotechnologies. Candidates should be proficient in some of the following areas:

• Design photomask layouts and test structures to support research and experimental device development
• Translate experimental requirements into layout constraints including geometry, alignment, and layer definitions
• Own mask revisions, layer organization, and layout documentation
• Execute micro and nanofabrication process flows including photolithography, thin film deposition, etching, and lift off
• Fabricate research grade passive devices, electrodes, sensors, and test structures
• Perform device, film, and structural characterization using analytical tools such as SEM, FIB SEM, AFM, profilometry, and optical interferometry
• Support cross sectioning, defect analysis, and process troubleshooting
• Maintain clear documentation of mask sets, wafer processing, and experimental results
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers and research teams to support rapid device iteration
• Other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with at least two years of relevant experience, ideally within life sciences, synthetic biology, or biopharma. Or a Masters degree with at least five years of relevant experience. Or a bachelors degree with at least eight years of relevant experience.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a willingness to contribute in cross-disciplinary technical environments.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, start-up environments, showing flexibility, initiative, and a growth-oriented mindset.
• Experience implementing process controls and spec setting in a product development environment is a plus.

• Under Nano3 facility working conditions, this position is based in our San Diego, CA office.
• 100% onsite role.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and in a lab environment.
• As a critical and essential role, the candidate must be willing and able to travel to the San Diego, CA office to report to work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Avery is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.