---
title: 'SMTS Process Engineer - Plating (f/m/d) at Black Semiconductor GmbH'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/smts-process-engineer-plating-f-m-d-black-semiconductor-gmbh-aachen-9wx3m66y4n9e'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# SMTS Process Engineer - Plating (f/m/d) at Black Semiconductor GmbH

- **Company:** Black Semiconductor GmbH
- **Location:** Aachen, Germany
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-01-27
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor/e4155ed1-8e09-4933-9a94-5d02d3bcb3d1/application

**Skills:** Semiconductor Process Engineering, Plating, Contamination Control, Surface Preparation, Plating Chemistry, Plating Hardware, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Fab Startup, Pilot Line Development, Technology Ramp-up, 2D Material Preparation, 2D Material Integration, 300mm Plating Tools

> Lead the development and implementation of advanced plating processes for next-generation materials, including graphene. Oversee fab startup activities, establish Process of Record, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration into a greenfield fab environment.

## Job description

## About us

We see the semiconductor industry as a realm of possibility. We see opportunities. We see the profound impact that our graphene solutions will have in transforming the industry. We invite you to join us in driving change with our fundamentally human-centered approach, uniting bright minds around a shared vision. The vision is: Prove to everybody that you can make a fundamental change. Prove with your knowledge and skills how things can be done differently. Together, we can change the paradigm of how the world connects

## About our technology

The semiconductor industry’s growing demand for more powerful chips with higher bandwidth and lower power finds its solution in our technology. We connect chips to high-throughput, low-delay computing networks. The key lies in harnessing the physical properties of graphene to combine electronic computing with photonic communication, allowing countless chips to interact almost as if they were one. Our graphene photonic innovation increases computing power and efficiency to a new order of magnitude

In short, we connect chips to create powerful and energy-efficient networks, overcoming connectivity limitations in the semiconductor industry. We deliver the graphene solution

## The Role

Black Semiconductor is looking for a highly skilled Plating Process Engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced plating processes tailored to next-generation materials and device architectures, including 2D materials such as graphene. In this role, you will play a key part in fab startup activities—overseeing tool installation, acceptance testing, recipe validation, and initial process ramp-up. You will evaluate and define specifications for plating tools and processes, working closely with internal teams and equipment suppliers to select and qualify the optimal systems. Additionally, you will establish the Process of Record (POR) and develop robust ramp-to-production protocols for all critical plating steps. Collaboration with facility and equipment teams will be essential to ensure seamless integration into a greenfield fab environment, including infrastructure support for chemical delivery, return, and waste systems. You will work closely with other team members, including the R&D, design, equipment, and facility teams to develop the next generation of innovative graphene technology

To join our team, you should be excited to

- Lead the development and implementation of Plating processes tailored to 2D materials (e.g., graphene) and novel device architectures
- Evaluate and define process specifications; collaborate with internal stakeholders and vendors to select and qualify the Plating tools
- Own key fab startup activities, including tool installation, acceptance testing, recipe validation, and ramp-up
- Establish and maintain Process of Record (POR) for critical clean steps; define ramp-to-production protocols
- Implement and manage SPC systems, drive continuous improvement via data-driven methodologies

## Your Qualifications

- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor process engineering with a focus on Plating
- Deep understanding of contamination control, surface preparation, and Plating challenges
- Proven experience working with Plating chemistry and hardware
- Practical exposure to 2D material preparation and integration is a strong plus
- 300mm plating tools hands-on experience (Lam, AMAT etc.)
- Experience in fab startup, pilot line development, or technology ramp-up environments is highly desirable

Our work culture

People Over Processes. At Black Semiconductor, flexibility is key—we ensure work adapts to life, not the other way around. We champion work-life harmony, where careers are meaningful and enriching. Our processes are human-centric, allowing you to focus on what matters Let’s grow together. Your potential is our priority. We provide the autonomy to make a lasting impact and nurture your growth through a culture of continuous learning. We invest in your journey for professional and personal development Your Health and Future Matter. Your well-being is paramount. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding insurance, pension and virtual stock options for your mental, physical, and financial health. Your peace of mind is our priority - in the present and future We Live Openness. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our culture. We practice openness, fostering trust and respect. Individuality is our collective strength, fueling innovation and driving us forward

We connect chips – and people. We encourage qualified individuals from any background to apply. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and growth. Join our team and be part of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the industry

Can you picture yourself in this Role and our Company? Let’s connect

If your application results in an employment relationship, your Applicant Data will be transferred to our personnel records and processed in accordance with applicable legal requirements; otherwise, your Applicant Data will be retained for up to six (6) months after completion of the recruitment process. Read more about our privacy policy here. https://www.blacksemi.com/privacy-policy

## About Black Semiconductor GmbH

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Black Semiconductor integrates graphene photonics directly onto electronic chips to enable ultra-fast, energy-efficient data transfer between chips.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Startup) – raised ~€25.7M in private investment plus €228.7M in public grants (IPCEI); total funding reported as ~$282M (LinkedIn).
- **Headquarters**: Aachen, Germany
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Dr. Daniel Schall and Sebastian Schall

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Semiconductor manufacturing, integrated photonics, graphene-based chip connectivity.
- **Target customers**: B2B – data centers, chip designers, high-performance computing, telecom infrastructure.
- **Mission**: “Inspiring the world to rethink computing” by solving bandwidth and power limitations with graphene optical interconnects.

## Products & Services
- **Integrated Graphene Photonics Platform**: Combines photonics and electronics on one wafer using graphene for high-speed, low-power chip-to-chip communication.
- **FabONE Pilot Line**: World’s first production facility dedicated to graphene photonics (15,000 m² fabrication space, 2,000 m² office) – 300mm wafer pilot production under construction.
- **Applied Nanolayers Acquisition (Mar 2025)**: Brought in-house volume graphene production on 200mm wafers (Netherlands) to accelerate the roadmap.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metrics**: Total funding ~$282 M (LinkedIn); €228.7M grant (IPCEI, 2025); 99 employees (+106.2% YoY); 25 active job postings.
- **Notable Investors & Partners**: Vsquared, Cambium, Intel Ignite, RWTH Aachen University.
- **Growth Signals**: SPARK Award 2025 winner; acquired leading graphene specialist Applied Nanolayers; construction of FabONE pilot line; fast headcount growth and international presence (11 countries).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Graphene-based BEOL integration** – only material with the temperature budget, devices, and compatibility to allow back-end-of-line photonics integration.
- **CMOS-compatible processing** – seamlessly fits into existing chip production, enabling scalability.
- **Lower power, higher bandwidth** – replaces copper with optical waveguides, reducing latency and energy use.
- **First-mover facility** – FabONE is the world’s first production fab for graphene photonics.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale pilot line**: Complete FabONE construction and move from 200mm to 300mm wafer pilot production.
- **Secure next funding phase**: €25.7M private + €228.7M grant is drawn; next round underway.
- **Commercialization**: Move from R&D to customer-ready chip connectivity solutions, targeting data center and HPC markets.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Rethinking technology requires rethinking corporate standards” – minimal bureaucracy, maximum automation with in-house software tools.
- **Growth**: High-growth startup (106% headcount growth YoY); employees can have outsized impact.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive insurance (life, incapacity, accident), pension scheme, supplementary healthcare budget, learning & development budget, Rosetta Stone language courses, weekly yoga, monthly vouchers, discount partners.
- **Work Model**: Human-centered – team chooses when, where, and how they work (hybrid/flexible).
- **Team**: 32% technical roles; international team across Germany, Netherlands, US, Finland, etc. Strong ties to RWTH Aachen.
- **Career**: Active hiring (25 open roles) across engineering (lithography, CMP, cleaning), facilities, IT security, finance, and executive support.

## Sources
1. [blacksemi.com](https://www.blacksemi.com/) – Overview, technology, funding milestones
2. [blacksemi.com/about-us](https://www.blacksemi.com/about-us) – Founders, history, Applied Nanolayers acquisition
3. [blacksemi.com/career](https://www.blacksemi.com/career) – Culture, benefits, values
4. [linkedin.com/company/black-semiconductor](https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-semiconductor/) – Employee count, funding, headcount growth, job postings
5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor) – Open positions list

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