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Optical Lithography Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing ... Masters or PhD in Optical engineering (preferred) or Physics * Three to five years of professional ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing ... Masters or PhD in Optical engineering (preferred) or Physics * Three to five years of professional ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing ... Masters or PhD in Optical engineering (preferred) or Physics * Three to five years of professional ...

Texas Instruments

DFM RET Engineer

Dallas, TX

Our engineers are working at the leading edge of computational lithography, Resolution Enhancement ... Strong understanding of optical lithography principles and RET (OPC, SRA, assist features, mask ...

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Optical Lithography Engineer information

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$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do optical lithography engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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.
Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings-Fairport,New York

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings-Fairport,New York

Corning

Scottsville, NY

$139K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74368
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose
Lead coating development projects for Advanced Optics, with a focus on Precision Optics (semiconductor inspection) and Laser Optics (lithography). This role drives new coating designs, improves existing coatings and processes, supports early-stage customer programs, and contributes to long-term coating technology strategy.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop new coating designs for semiconductor inspection and lithography applications
  • Optimize coating designs and processes to improve performance, reliability, durability, and cost
  • Lead technical development for early-stage Precision Optics programs
  • Support long-term coating and surface technology initiatives with Research
  • Define and execute DOE plans, sample coating, testing, and analysis
  • Guide technicians and engineers across development coating platforms, including PVD, plasma-assisted PVD, IBS, magnetron sputtering, and ALD
  • Improve manufacturing performance through coating design, materials, fixtures, and metrology
  • Provide clear, proactive reporting and cross-functional technical support throughout development and production

Expertise:
  • Strong background in materials science, thin films, coating design, and optical coating processes
  • Experience with optical coatings across IR, visible, and DUV wavelengths; VUV/EUV knowledge is a plus
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as ellipsometry, AFM, and optical performance testing
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Research teams

Experiences/Education - Required
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Material Science, or Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical), or equivalent, with at least 10 years of experience OR 15+ years of relevant experience will be required for non-Ph.D. applicants.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex materials, processes and equipment.
  • Deep expertise in physical vapor deposition methods (PVD) for optical thin films, and associated optical properties, microstructure, stress, distribution on non-flat complex shapes and influence of varying light energy interaction with substrates and films.
  • Strong technical skills in optical thin film design, materials selection, processing, characterization, and optical measurements via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.
  • Experience in supporting or leading R&D project plans with business focus.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Knowledge of additional coating technologies including Plasma Assisted PVD, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Ion Beam Sputtering, Magnetron Sputtering, and Optical Monitoring Systems.
  • Experience in advanced metrology tools such as AFM, TOF-SIMS, and PCI absorption analysis
  • Optical design knowlege beyond coating (modeling for complex assemblies of mirrors, lenses, prisms or assemblies)
  • Project management competencies
  • Team leadership experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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