For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology — enabling the innovation behind smartphones, computers, automotive electronics, and countless other devices used every day. Our success is driven by advanced technology, strong customer partnerships, and most importantly, our people. Join Photronics and be part of a collaborative, high-tech manufacturing environment where learning, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement are core to everything we do.
The Manufacturing Process Engineer II (Lithography) is responsible for the development, optimization, qualification, and sustainment of photomask lithography manufacturing processes within a semiconductor cleanroom environment. This role independently manages assigned lithography processes and collaborates with Manufacturing, Metrology, Equipment Engineering, Quality, IT and Research & Development teams to improve process stability, yield, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
The Reticle Lithography Engineer applies engineering principles, statistical analysis, and data-driven problem solving to troubleshoot process and equipment issues, optimize lithography performance, and implement process improvements. This position supports process characterization, equipment qualifications, technology transfers, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement activities while ensuring processes meet customer requirements for critical dimension (CD), registration, overlay, defectivity, and cycle time.
Location: Photronics, Boise, ID (US). This is an on-site position, and we are not open to remote candidates at this time.
Responsibilities:
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Own and sustain assigned reticle lithography processes to maintain process stability, product quality, and manufacturing performance.
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Monitor process performance using SPC, data analysis, and process monitoring tools to identify trends, variation, and improvement opportunities.
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Troubleshoot lithography process, equipment, and product issues using structured problem-solving methods and root cause analysis.
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Develop, optimize, and maintain lithography recipes, process conditions, and engineering documentation.
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Analyze CD, registration, overlay, defectivity, and other key process metrics to ensure compliance with customer and manufacturing requirements.
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Support process qualifications, equipment evaluations, technology transfers, and implementation of process improvements.
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Collaborative with Manufacturing, Metrology, Equipment Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve production performance.
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Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on yield enhancement, defect reduction, cycle time improvement, and process capability.
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Develop and maintain engineering documentation, work instructions, and process specifications.
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Provide technical guidance and support to technicians, manufacturing personnel, and less experienced engineers.
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Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Working knowledge of reticle lithography process, including electron beam or laser pattern generation, process optimization, and manufacturing controls.
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Experience with SPC, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
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Ability to analyze complex engineering data and translate findings into actionable process improvements.
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Proficiency with engineering computing environments, including Linux/Unix operating systems, scripting languages, and data analysis platforms. Experience developing automation tools, scripts, database queries, and software solutions to improve manufacturing workflows, process monitoring, data analysis, and operational efficiency.
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Familiarity with C, registration, overlay, defectivity, and process capability measurements.
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Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical teams.
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Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive assigned projects to completion.
Experience:
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3-6 Years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, photomask manufacturing, lithography, metrology, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
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Internship, co-op, or manufacturing engineering experience related to lithography, metrology, or process engineering considered.
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Experience working in a semiconductor cleanroom environment preferred.
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Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement concepts is helpful but not required.
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Familiarity with troubleshooting process issues or analyzing engineering data.
Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field or equivalent work experience.
Travel: Less than 5%.
Why Photronics
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Be part of a global technology leader driving innovation for the world’s biggest tech companies.
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Enjoy stability, challenge, and opportunity at a company with more than 50 years of proven success.
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Work in a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise will have a real impact.
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Competitive salary and annual bonus program.
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Equity compensation eligibility.
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Full suite of health and welfare benefits.
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401k with company match.
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for team members’ disabilities and religious beliefs or practices.
Agency Notice: Photronics does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach from search firms or employment agencies. Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee regarding this opening. Resumes submitted outside of our approved agency engagement process will be considered the sole property of Photronics, and no fees will be paid if such candidates are hired. Only agencies with a valid agreement in place with Photronics and assigned to this role may submit candidates.
