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Optical Lithography Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigetti Computing

Lead Engineer, Lithography

Fremont, CA · On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

About the Role Rigetti Computing is seeking a Lead Lithography Engineer to serve as the technical ... Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and ...

Rigetti Computing

Lead Engineer, Lithography

Fremont, CA

$112K - $147K/yr

About the Role Rigetti Computing is seeking a Lead Lithography Engineer to serve as the technical ... Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and ...

Rigetti Computing

Lead Engineer, Lithography

Fremont, CA · On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

About the Role Rigetti Computing is seeking a Lead Lithography Engineer to serve as the technical ... Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and ...

Computer Futures

Lithography Engineer

Yorktown Heights, NY · On-site

$111K - $137K/yr

The candidate must understand the fundamentals of optical lithography, be capable of assessing a variety of patterning techniques, and show familiarity with common metrology methods. * The hired ...

Computer Futures

Lithography Engineer

Yorktown Heights, NY · On-site

$111K - $137K/yr

The candidate must understand the fundamentals of optical lithography , be capable of assessing a variety of patterning techniques , and show familiarity with common metrology methods . The hired ...

Texas Instruments

DFM RET Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

Strong understanding of optical lithography principles and RET (OPC, SRA, assist features, mask ... Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come ...

Amat

Systems Engineer III (E3)

Santa Clara, CA

$138K - $190K/yr

Description Optical systems engineer to support product development activities of a complex, high performance, optical lithography system with applications in the advanced packaging market.

D-Wave Quantum

Fabrication Engineer II

New Haven, CT · On-site

Operating tools such as metal deposition systems, electron-beam and optical lithography tools, and ... engineering backgrounds A D-Waver's DNA * We look at the future and say "why not"; we see ...

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Optical Lithography Engineer information

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$79.5K

$139.9K

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How much do optical lithography engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lithography engineer in the United States is $139,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Optical Lithography Engineers face when working with advanced semiconductor nodes?

Optical Lithography Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining pattern fidelity and critical dimension control as feature sizes shrink in advanced semiconductor nodes. Issues like overlay errors, depth of focus limitations, and process variability become more pronounced, requiring close collaboration with process integration and metrology teams. Staying updated with the latest lithography equipment, techniques, and resist materials is crucial for addressing these challenges. Effective troubleshooting and adapting to rapid technology changes are integral parts of the daily workflow.

What does an Optical Lithography Engineer do?

An Optical Lithography Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing processes that use light to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers, a critical step in manufacturing microchips. They work with advanced photolithography equipment, design photomasks, and fine-tune process parameters to achieve precise patterning at nanometer scales. Their role involves troubleshooting equipment, improving process yields, and collaborating with other engineers to ensure high-quality semiconductor production.

What is the difference between Optical Lithography Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectOptical Lithography EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; familiarity with lithography toolsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; broad process knowledge
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on photolithography processesManufacturing or fabrication facilities overseeing various production processes
Industry UsageSemiconductor fabrication, chip manufacturingSemiconductor, electronics, and manufacturing industries

While both roles are vital in semiconductor manufacturing, the Optical Lithography Engineer specializes in photolithography techniques and equipment, whereas the Process Engineer oversees broader manufacturing processes. The Optical Lithography Engineer focuses on patterning at the microscopic level, ensuring precision in chip fabrication, while the Process Engineer manages overall process efficiency and quality across multiple production stages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Lithography Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lithography Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and semiconductor processing, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Proficiency with photolithography equipment, cleanroom protocols, and process simulation tools like KLA-Tencor or ASML software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring precision manufacturing, minimizing defects, and driving innovation in advanced semiconductor fabrication.
Infographic showing various Optical Lithography Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,917 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
Lead Engineer, Lithography

Lead Engineer, Lithography

Rigetti Computing

Fremont, CA • On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

About the Role
 
Rigetti Computing is seeking a Lead Lithography Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our patterning ecosystem. Sitting at the critical intersection of high-end R&D and scalable production, you will architect the "wet" process framework that translates quantum designs into hardware. You will partner with our EBL hardware experts to optimize beam-resist interactions while providing the technical vision for our track and optical lithography modules. This role is designed for an experienced engineer to take ownership of the broader lithography and metrology roadmap as we accelerate our qubit manufacturing capabilities.
Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. with 7+ years or M.S. with 10+ years of direct experience in lithography process development and integration.

  • Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Proven hands-on mastery of the full lithography "wet" stack, including CAR/non-CAR resist chemistry, reaction kinetics, CD control, and sub-micron overlay management.

  • Strong expertise in SPC, DOE, GR&R, and root-cause analysis; proficiency with JMP or similar statistical software to build diagnostic frameworks from the ground up.

  • Proven ability to professionalize processes in R&D or semi-manual environments, translating "tribal knowledge" into scalable SOPs, recipes, and technical specifications.

  • Hands-on proficiency with track systems, projection steppers, contact aligners, and maskless aligners (MLA).

  • Ability to build process frameworks and drive technical strategy rather than just executing within existing ones.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize module-level goals, and mentor junior engineering staff while maintaining deep hands-on technical engagement.

  • Comfortable working in cleanroom environments (HAZMAT and ESD protocols).

Highly Desired Experience

  • Experience partnering with E-beam hardware specialists to optimize the resist/process interface. 

  • Technical knowledge of proximity effect correction (PEC), dose strategy optimization, and multi-layer resist stacks.

  • Expertise in managing charging and thermal stability challenges on non-standard or insulating substrates.

  • Direct experience with DUV (KrF/ArF) or i-line projection lithography and the transition of processes to high-throughput production.

  • Experience with ultrasonic spray-coating systems and lithography on high-topology or 3D surfaces.

  • Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and sub-50nm alignment precision.

  • Prior experience in Quantum, MEMS, or Photonics fabrication environments.

Why This Role?

  • Take technical command of one of the most complex modules in the quantum ecosystem, personally driving the process breakthroughs required for next-generation qubits.

  • Play a foundational role in transitioning Rigetti's qubit production from a lab-scale process to a world-class manufacturing operation.

  • Serve as a lead technical voice in the fab, with a clear trajectory toward broader ownership of the lithography and metrology roadmap.

  • Work at the "tip of the spear" in quantum computing, collaborating with world-leading experts in one of the few dedicated quantum foundries on earth.

$165,000 - $205,000 a year
Base Salary
Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.


About Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company's proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry's first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry's first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

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Export Licensing Compliance
Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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