Black Semiconductor GmbH

The Future of Chip Connectivity is Graphene

Black Semiconductor is a deep tech startup based in Aachen, Germany, pioneering the next generation of chip technology. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the AMO research center, the company has developed a breakthrough approach that integrates graphene photonics directly onto chips. This allows chips to communicate with light rather than electricity, overcoming the bandwidth, heat, and latency limitations of traditional copper interconnects. With a massive €254 million Series A funding round in June 2024 (including €228.7 million in government grants), they are building a 15,000-square-meter manufacturing facility (FabONE) and scaling their workforce rapidly.

A Culture of Deep Tech Innovation

Rethinking semiconductor technology requires an environment where bright minds can focus on what truly matters. Black Semiconductor emphasizes a culture with minimal bureaucracy and maximum automation. The company relies on custom in-house software solutions to streamline operational processes, allowing the engineering teams to realize ideas fast and without detours. Core values like integrity, accountability, growth, authenticity, and execution drive their daily decisions. It's a place for those who want to leave a significant mark on an industry that forms the backbone of all modern technology.

What You'll Actually Do

Whether you're in semiconductor engineering, photonics R&D, or operations, you'll be working on technology that pushes the boundaries of physics and engineering. The company is currently transitioning from pilot production to commercial volume manufacturing, aiming for full-scale operations by 2031. You'll likely be involved in integrating graphene into industry-standard CMOS processes, scaling up the 300mm wafer pilot line, or optimizing the new FabONE facility. The environment is fast-paced, deeply technical, and highly collaborative, drawing talent from industry giants like Intel and AMD.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific public salary data is limited, Black Semiconductor offers what they describe as a "comprehensive salary package" designed for the start-up world. Their benefits are extensive and focus on long-term well-being. The "appreciation package" includes accident coverage, incapacity insurance, life insurance, a supplementary healthcare budget, and a company pension scheme. They also offer a learning and development budget, language courses, weekly yoga classes, and a "holiday transformation" program, emphasizing a harmonious union between professional and personal life.

The Interview Process

Detailed interview processes are not widely publicized, but given the highly specialized nature of their work in deep tech and photonics, candidates should expect rigorous technical evaluations. Glassdoor reviews indicate that the interview experience is generally positive, with candidates giving it an average difficulty score of 3 out of 5. The process likely involves multiple rounds, including initial HR screenings, deep-dive technical interviews with engineering leads, and cultural fit assessments based on their core values.

Why Join / Why Not

Why Join: If you want to be at the bleeding edge of semiconductor technology and work on a physical product that could revolutionize AI, data centers, and high-performance computing, this is the place. The massive recent funding provides a long runway and the resources needed to scale a capital-intensive deep tech hardware business. You'll be part of a strategic push for European technological sovereignty.

Why Not: This is a hardware startup, which means long development cycles and significant execution risks. The technology is still years away from mainstream commercial volume manufacturing (targeted for 2031). If you prefer the rapid iteration cycles of consumer software or are looking for the established stability of a legacy semiconductor giant, the high-stakes, long-term nature of Black Semiconductor might not be the right fit.