Coherent

Photolithography Process Engineer

Coherent$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
  • 5+ years in semiconductor photolithography process engineering
  • Experience with GaAs and/or InP wafer processing
  • Hands-on experience with i-line, DUV, contact aligner, or electron beam lithography systems
  • Strong understanding of photolithography fundamentals and process metrics
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools like JMP, Minitab, SQL, Python
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and maintain photolithography processes for wafers
  • Support production using various lithography systems
  • Troubleshoot process issues and improve yield
  • Design experiments to enhance lithography performance
  • Monitor and optimize critical process metrics
  • Work with teams for lithography integration with other processes
  • Analyze process data for stability and capability assessment

Benefits

  • Mentorship opportunities for technicians and junior engineers
  • Exposure to advanced lithography technologies
  • Opportunities to work with cross-functional teams
  • Work in a cleanroom environment adhering to semiconductor protocols
  • Involvement in equipment qualifications and new product introductions
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
• Develop, optimize, and maintain photolithography processes for GaAs and InP wafer fabrication.
• Support production using i-line, DUV, electron beam lithography, contact aligners, and coat/develop systems.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain production recipes while supporting automated recipe download, recipe verification, and process standardization.
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify root causes to improve yield and product performance.
• Design and execute experiments to improve lithography performance, process capability, and manufacturability.
• Monitor and optimize critical process metrics, including CD, overlay performance, and tool-specific process parameters.
• Monitor equipment health and process performance using SPC, fault detection, and equipment data to identify trends and prevent process excursions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of lithography with etch, deposition, and other manufacturing processes.
• Partner with equipment, automation, and manufacturing engineers to improve equipment reliability, recipe control, and overall process capability.
• Analyze process data using SPC and statistical software to maintain stable, capable processes.
• Develop process documentation, operating procedures, engineering reports, and process specifications.
• Support equipment qualifications, process transfers, and new product introductions.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers as needed.

Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of semiconductor photolithography process engineering experience.

Skills
• Experience processing GaAs and/or InP wafers in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience as a process owner and/or equipment owner for i-line, DUV, contact aligner, or electron beam lithography systems.
• Strong understanding of photolithography fundamentals, including resist processing, focus and exposure optimization, alignment strategies, and process window development.
• Experience using CD and overlay metrology to monitor and improve lithography performance.
• Experience with MES, SECS/GEM, recipe download, or factory automation systems.
• Experience with fault detection and classification (FDC), advanced process control (APC), or equipment health monitoring.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, and process capability analysis.
• Proficiency creating database queries, automated reports, or data analysis tools using JMP, Minitab, Excel, SQL, Python, or similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to solve complex manufacturing problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Working Conditions
  • Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated
  • Will be exposed to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semi-conductor protocol/requirements

Physical Requirements
  • Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
  • Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
  • Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
  • Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
  • Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
  • Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
  • Sit for up to 4 hours at a time

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

About Coherent

Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Coherent

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Photolithography Process Engineer jobs: