Senior Quality Inspector (Semiconductor & Photonics)

About Inpho

Inpho is a fast-growing scale-up, focused on developing cutting-edge optoelectronic solutions for next-generation communications, and photonic systems. Our multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of innovation in integrated photonics and semiconductor packaging.

Inpho’s new class of electro-photonic chips is poised to revolutionize and disrupt the optical interconnect market. Utilizing this new class of chips enables existing optical interconnect systems to be built at much lower cost; new architectures to be deployed that provide significantly higher price/performance; and a whole new generation of higher speed interconnect to be built that to date have been impossible.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Quality Inspector to support quality inspection and product acceptance activities for our advanced semiconductor and photonics products. This hands-on technical role will be responsible for performing incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality inspections of semiconductor wafers, bars, singulated dies, and Chip-on-Carrier (CoC) assemblies to ensure compliance with product specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.

The Senior Quality Inspector will work closely with Quality Engineering, Reliability, Failure Analysis, Test Engineering, and Operations to support product qualification, customer sampling, and production ramp-up.

Key Responsibilities

Incoming, In-Process & Outgoing Quality Inspection

• Perform incoming quality control (IQC), in-process quality control (IPQC), and outgoing quality control (OQC) inspections on semiconductor and photonic devices.
• Conduct visual and microscopic inspections of wafers, bars, singulated dies, and CoC assemblies.
• Inspect products for surface defects, cracks, chips, scratches, contamination, coating defects, metallization defects, and other physical abnormalities.
• Verify product dimensions, alignment, bonding quality, and mechanical integrity against approved specifications and acceptance criteria.
• Inspect product packaging, Gel-Paks, trays, and shipping materials to ensure proper handling, protection, and identification.
• Review inspection and test records to verify product conformance prior to release or shipment.
• Support first-article inspection and inspection activities associated with new products and process changes.

Semiconductor Inspection & Defect Identification

• Operate optical microscopes, digital imaging systems, and automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment.
• Identify, classify, and document semiconductor defects according to established inspection standards.
• Capture and maintain clear inspection images and supporting defect evidence.
• Support the development and refinement of visual inspection criteria, defect catalogs, and acceptance standards.
• Assist with the qualification and validation of new inspection equipment, including AOI systems.
• Provide feedback on inspection effectiveness, defect detection capabilities, and opportunities for automation.

Nonconforming Material Control

• Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming products to prevent unintended use or shipment.
• Initiate and maintain Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) and support material review and disposition activities.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering, Failure Analysis, and Operations teams to investigate inspection failures and recurring defects.
• Support containment, sorting, reinspection, and verification of corrective actions.
• Monitor recurring inspection issues and communicate quality concerns promptly.

Quality Documentation & Traceability

• Maintain accurate inspection records, defect reports, and product acceptance documentation.
• Ensure traceability of inspected materials, including wafer IDs, lot numbers, bar IDs, die IDs, CoC identifiers, and packaging information.
• Support the preparation and verification of Certificates of Conformance (CoC) and outgoing inspection records.
• Follow approved inspection procedures, work instructions, sampling plans, and quality control requirements.
• Support ISO 9001 QMS implementation by maintaining complete, accurate, and audit-ready quality records.
• Ensure compliance with ESD protection, cleanroom practices, and semiconductor material handling requirements.

Inspection Process Improvement

• Participate in the development and optimization of inspection procedures and sampling strategies.
• Support the implementation of inspection automation and improvements in defect detection capabilities.
• Assist in establishing inspection throughput, defect rates, and quality performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency, repeatability, and consistency.
• Support training of junior inspectors and technicians on inspection techniques, defect identification, and semiconductor handling.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Diploma or degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Semiconductor Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in the semiconductor industry, preferably in quality inspection, semiconductor manufacturing, assembly, packaging, optical inspection, or product testing.
• Demonstrated experience performing microscopic inspection of semiconductor wafers, dies, or packaged devices.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor defects, including cracks, chips, contamination, scratches, metallization defects, and mechanical damage.
• Experience using optical microscopes, digital inspection systems, and precision measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with semiconductor handling procedures, ESD controls, and cleanroom requirements.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, product specifications, inspection criteria, and technical work instructions.
• Knowledge of incoming, in-process, and outgoing quality inspection processes.
• Experience documenting inspection results, maintaining traceability, and reporting nonconforming material.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in photonics, optoelectronics, laser diodes, EMLs, photodetectors, or compound semiconductor technologies such as InP and GaAs.
• Experience inspecting bare semiconductor dies, laser bars, cleaved facets, coated facets, and CoC assemblies.
• Familiarity with automated optical inspection (AOI) systems and semiconductor defect recognition.
• Experience with semiconductor packaging, die bonding, wire bonding, or related assembly processes.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems and inspection documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with statistical sampling plans, AQL, SPC, and defect classification methodologies.
• Experience working with ERP/QMS systems such as Epicor.
• Experience supporting semiconductor product qualification, customer sampling, or high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience developing inspection procedures, visual defect standards, or inspection training materials.
• Startup or high-growth environment experience.

Why Join Inpho?

• Be part of a mission-driven startup shaping the future of photonics.
• Competitive salary, full health benefits and equity packages, flexible work environment, and career growth opportunities.

Come work with a dynamic, high-talent team to build and commercialize the highest-performance photonics chips in the world!

Additional Information

This posting is for a newly created position.

The expected compensation range for this position is CAD$75,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual compensation offered for this position will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s skills, level, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Inpho may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support aspects of the recruitment process, including candidate screening and assessment. All final hiring decisions are made by Inpho’s Hiring Team.

Inpho is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Inpho Human Resources at [email protected]

We thank all candidates for their interest in Inpho. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.