Lithography Process Engineer
About the role
As a Lithography Process Engineer, you will develop, optimise and sustain photolithography processes for optical and semiconductor wafer applications. You will work with advanced equipment and materials to achieve precise pattern transfer on silicon, glass and fused silica wafers used in micro-optical components, wafer-level optics and other photonic devices. This role bridges design and manufacturing by enabling high-yield, high-precision patterning that meets stringent optical and dimensional specifications. The role involves working across office and cleanroom environments, and travel may be required.
Key responsibilities
- Design, develop and optimise lithography processes, including resist coating, exposure, baking, development and post-processing steps.
- Conduct structured experiments and design of experiments to improve resolution, overlay accuracy and process robustness.
- Develop and transfer lithography recipes across platforms such as contact aligners, steppers and e-beam writers.
- Collaborate with optical design and simulation teams to translate design intent into manufacturable lithographic patterns.
- Evaluate and implement new materials, including resists, developers and etching chemicals, and apply process techniques to improve resolution, uniformity and yield.
- Work with R&D, equipment engineering and yield enhancement teams to integrate new technologies and resolve process deviations.
- Own and maintain lithography equipment, including mask aligners, wet benches, steppers and direct-write systems.
- Perform tool qualification, calibration and troubleshooting to ensure process stability and repeatability.
- Implement corrective actions to minimise equipment downtime and improve process stability.
- Define and execute metrology plans using CD-SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry or Filmetrics, and optical inspection tools.
- Analyse process data to identify trends, determine defect root causes and identify improvement opportunities.
- Implement statistical process control and design of experiments methodologies.
- Interface with product design, packaging and manufacturing teams to support seamless process integration.
- Support technology transfer from R&D to production.
- Document process flows, work instructions and technical reports.
- Ensure lithography operations comply with safety standards and cleanroom protocols.
- Maintain equipment and process documentation in accordance with ISO and internal quality systems.
What we're looking for
- A bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Optics or a related field.
- At least three years of hands-on experience in lithography process development, preferably in the optics, MEMS or semiconductor industries.
- Strong knowledge of photolithography principles, photoresist chemistry and process integration.
- Proficiency in using and maintaining lithography tools and metrology equipment.
- Experience with epoxy-based resist systems such as LDI or maskless lithography, or with wafer bonding processes.
- Hands-on experience with SUSS coaters and developers is desirable.
- Experience with wafer-level optics, grayscale lithography or nanoimprint lithography is an advantage.
- Familiarity with cleanroom practices and wafer handling protocols.
- Strong problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills, with a responsible, results-oriented and practical approach to work.