Manufacturing Process Engineer II

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.

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Process Engineer II (Coat & Develop) will support and improve photolithography coat and develop processes used in the manufacture of high-quality semiconductor photomasks. This position will be responsible for process development, optimization, monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of photoresist coating and development operations. This position will work closely with manufacturing, equipment engineering, metrology, quality, and other process engineering teams to maintain stable, capable processes and improve yield, cycle time, and product quality. The role requires strong technical problem-solving skills, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to work effectively in a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment.

Location: Boise, ID (US). This is an on-site position, and we are not open to remote candidates at this time.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain photoresist coat and develop processes for semiconductor photomask manufacturing.
• Establish and maintain process specifications, operating windows, control plans, and process documentation.
• Monitor process performance using statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis, and other data-analysis techniques.
• Troubleshoot process excursions, defects, and yield issues using structured root-case analysis and corrective-action methodologies.
• Conduct designed experiments (DOE) to characterize process behavior and optimize critical process parameters.
• Analyze data from metrology and inspection systems to identify trends, process shifts, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with equipment engineers to troubleshoot and optimize coat/develop equipment, including process hardware, chemical delivery systems, and related subsystems.
• Support introduction and qualification of new materials, equipment, recipes, and process technologies.
• Develop and execute process qualification and validation plans.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield enhancement, defect reduction, process capability, cost reduction, and cycle-time improvement.
• Work with manufacturing personnel to establish robust processes and provide technical support for production issues.
• Ensure process changes are properly evaluated, documented, and implemented in accordance with quality and change-control requirements. 
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for engineering and management teams.
• Maintain awareness of semiconductor lithography, photoresist, chemical processing, and advanced photomask manufacturing technologies.
• Follow all company safety, environmental, quality, and operational requirements.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Experience with photoresist coating and/or develop processes is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze process data and troubleshoot complex manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of SPC, DOE, process capability, and statistical analysis.
• Strong understanding of process control and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a cleanroom/manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing standards, process qualification, and change-control approaches preferred.

Experience: 

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography, photomask engineering.
• Experience with semiconductor photolithography, photoresist processing, or photomask manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with spin coating, resist dispense, baking, developing, or related wet-process technologies preferred.
• Familiarity with CD, defect, overlay, film-thickness, and other lithography-related metrology preferred.
• Experience with statistical software and data-analysis tools preferred.
• Experience with root-case analysis methodologies such as 8D, Fishbone, FMEA, or similar approaches preferred.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• A combination of relevant education and experience related to etch will be considered.

Travel: Less than 5%.

Why Photronics 

• Be part of a global technology leader driving innovation for the world’s biggest tech companies.
• Enjoy stability, challenge, and opportunity at a company with more than 50 years of proven success.
• Work in a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise will have a real impact.
• Competitive salary and annual bonus program.
• Equity compensation eligibility.
• Full suite of health and welfare benefits.
• 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.