Engineer - Material Scientist (m/f/d)

Intro:
For our location in Freiburg in Breisgau, we are looking for an Engineer - Material Scientist (m/f/d). 

At NexWafe, we are developing a pioneering process to produce silicon wafers for PV appliances with fewer process steps, resulting in significant savings in production costs, energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. As an Engineer - Material Scientist (m/f/d) you will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and validating the seed‑wafer reuse processes that are central to NexWafe’s technology. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will drive material‑related investigations, carry out experiments across the full process chain, and support the commercialisation of a renewable‑energy breakthrough. Join our global team, shape the future of renewable energy and discover your career opportunities at NexWafe.

Your Mission:
Lead seed‑wafer reuse process development

• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments across the complete reuse process chain (e.g., CVD, wet chemistry, grinding).
• Demonstrate and continuously improve seed‑wafer reuse performance, yield, and quality.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective measures.

Drive material characterization activities

• Apply and develop advanced material characterization methods to identify defects, investigate material degradation, and perform failure analysis.
• Correlate material properties with process parameters to drive evidence‑based improvements.
• Conduct internal laboratory characterization and coordinate external analysis with partner labs.

Collaborate across process and engineering teams

• Work closely with epitaxy, process development, engineering, and operations to improve product performance and address cross‑functional challenges.
• Support optimization of manufacturing processes, workflows, and equipment performance.

Operational and technical support

• Contribute to preventive and corrective maintenance planning with engineering and maintenance teams.
• Act as a technical point of contact for planning equipment and workflows related to seed‑wafer reuse.
• Prepare technical documentation, analysis reports, and recommendations for engineering decisions.

Your profile:
• Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
OR M.Sc. + 3 years’ relevant experience
OR B.Sc. + 5 years’ experience.
• Proven expertise in defect characterization and material analysis (required).
• Experience in a semiconductor or photovoltaic environment is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience working in laboratories or cleanroom environments (preferred).
• Strong understanding of material science principles; silicon knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of epitaxy processes (advantageous).
• Experience with material degradation testing and failure analysis (desired).
• Ability to use statistical and analytical tools (e.g., JMP, Origin).
• Familiarity with CVD, wet chemistry, and wafer‑handling processes (beneficial).
• Fluency in English required.
• German language skills are an advantage.

***Please attach your CV in English***

Why us?:
• A diverse team: Short decision-making processes, flat hierarchies and collaboration with experts from different areas await you.
• A diverse and exciting job: A company that contributes to the commercialisation of environmentally friendly solar energy with a low carbon footprint.  
• Stability with a certain degree of flexibility: A permanent position with flexible working hours.
• Attractive remuneration programme: An attractive salary, a company pension scheme and profit-sharing for employees.
• Healthy balance: Take your physical and mental health to the next level with an annual health budget and a HanseFit membership!
• Expand your language skills: Optimise your career prospects with the English and German courses offered.