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Optical Lithography Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Process Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $133K/yr

We are known for our unmatched optics stack and have developed ultra-lightweight waveguides and ... You will work with advanced lithography equipment, develop and qualify new processes, and ...

... lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Our breadth of offerings across the entire ... Work with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to transition designs to ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$128K - $192K/yr

... lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Our breadth of offerings across the entire ... Work with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to transition designs to ...

Collaborate with lithography and process teams to understand EUV resist behavior, exposure ... CD-SEM * Optical CD (OCD) / Scatterometry * Overlay metrology systems This position is contingent ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing ... Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as ...

... class lithography performance. This role focuses on overlay measurement, alignment accuracy, and ... Familiarity with advanced metrology techniques such as optical overlay, scatterometry, or CD ...

The role may include testing of the system in a lab environment and/or on a full lithography tool ... Optics or Optical Engineering * Physics * Electrical Engineering Experience Minimum qualifications ...

Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to ... Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as ...

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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 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.

Sr. Staff Optical Engineer (Optical Image, High Precision Lens, Code V)

Orbotech

Milpitas, CA

$167K - $284K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are looking for a Senior Staff Optical Design Engineer to join our team within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products! Optics is the core part of BBP products, which include high-brightness light-sources, broadband coatings, complex optical subsystem and high-speed sensors. This position is responsible for the complete design process of one or multiple optical subsystems to support BBP roadmap:

  • Provide technical leadership by owning and investigating optical architecture and design options to find the best option through systematic trade off among different performance metrics as well as costs & schedule implications.

  • Closely collaborate with external suppliers and internal functional teams such as technology and system engineering to gather optical performance dependencies. Translate system requirements into optical, mechanical and metrology requirements.

  • Develop and implement optical metrology and alignment concepts to achieve the targeted optical performances.

  • Follow KLA design processes, including design reviews, part procurement from vendors, testing, integration and release.

  • Solve problems that arise within the proto or released inspection systems.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Solid background in optics, physics or related field such as imaging system aberrations, Fourier optics, polarization, radiometry etc.

  • Hands-on experiences in lens design, especially in diffraction limited large numerical aperture microscope objective lenses.

  • Experienced in gathering the optical design requirements from the key partners

  • Experienced in developing optical alignment, error budgets, and metrology for high precision and highly complex optical system.

  • Proficient in Code V or Zemax and Matlab or Python.

  • Prior experience in semiconductor inspection or lithography equipment is a plus

  • A self-starter with intellectual curiosity, a quick learner who desires to grow by acquiring new knowledge and skills in multi-disciplinary hardware technologies.

  • Detail oriented, methodical problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal skills.

  • Effectively collaborates in both leadership and support roles, and is committed to mentoring and knowledge-sharing with junior engineers

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

Base Pay Range: $167,300.00 - $284,400.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us attalent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.