layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Physical Vapor Deposition Researcher — Associate Engineer II at Blue Origin | LAYIQ

Operate thermal evaporation, co-evaporation, and sputtering systems to deposit thin-film layers per established recipes and DOE plans
Perform routine film characterization (thickness measurement, profilometry, 4-point probe, optical transmission, XRD sample prep)
Maintain vacuum deposition equipment including source changes, chamber cleaning, pump maintenance, and substrate fixture preparation
Record detailed experimental data and maintain lab notebooks to research-grade documentation standards
Analyze process data and present results to the team, identifying trends and proposing recipe modifications
Support DOE campaigns by preparing substrates, executing run matrices, and compiling results
Assist with equipment commissioning, qualification runs, and process capability studies
Contribute to process documentation, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols
Collaborate with device integration team to provide films meeting target specifications on schedule
Perform routine laboratory maintenance: chamber cleaning, pump oil changes, source replacements, substrate fixture reconditioning, and general lab upkeep
Manage consumables inventory (targets, crucibles, substrates, gases) and coordinate reorders to prevent supply interruptions
Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and chemical inventory records; support hazardous waste collection and disposal
Troubleshoot equipment issues (leak detection, pressure anomalies, source failures) and coordinate vendor service when needed
Required Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field
2+ years of experience in vacuum thin-film deposition (academic or industry)
Hands-on experience operating vacuum systems (thermal evaporators, sputter coaters, or similar)
Basic understanding of thin-film growth physics (nucleation, crystal orientation, stress)
Familiarity with standard thin-film characterization techniques (profilometry, XRD, SEM, optical spectroscopy)
Demonstrated ability to work safely with vacuum equipment, compressed gases, and laboratory chemicals
Strong documentation habits and attention to experimental detail

M.S. with thesis work involving vacuum deposition of photovoltaic or optoelectronic materials
Experience with multi-source co-evaporation or reactive sputtering
Familiarity with perovskite, CIGS, CdTe, or organic semiconductor materials
Experience with QCM-based deposition rate monitoring
Knowledge of DOE methodology and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, or Python/R)
Experience in a cleanroom or controlled-environment laboratory setting
Coursework or research in photovoltaic device physics
Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here .
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Physical Vapor Deposition Researcher — Associate Engineer II

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Benefits

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