1

Photolithography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The primary focus of this position is manufacturing engineering of photolithography process and equipment in Wolfspeed's state of the art, 200mm automated SiC Wafer Fab. The engineering team is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Photolithography information

See salary details

$20.5K

$43K

$52.5K

How much do photolithography jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for photolithography in the United States is $43,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $51,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photolithography?

A Photolithography job involves working in semiconductor manufacturing, where precise patterns are transferred onto silicon wafers using light and photoresist materials. Professionals in this role operate and maintain photolithography equipment, ensure process accuracy, and troubleshoot any defects in the patterning process. They work in cleanroom environments and collaborate with engineers to optimize production efficiency. This role is critical in the fabrication of microchips used in various electronic devices.

How much does a photolithography engineer make?

A photolithography engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in process development and equipment operation can lead to higher compensation, especially in semiconductor manufacturing environments.

What is a photolithography engineer?

A photolithography engineer designs and oversees the process of using light to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers during chip manufacturing. They work with specialized equipment, such as mask aligners and steppers, and require knowledge of optics, materials, and process control to ensure precise patterning at nanometer scales.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in photolithography, and why are they important?

To thrive in Photolithography, you need a strong grasp of semiconductor manufacturing processes, physics, and chemistry, often validated by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, photolithography steppers/scanners, and statistical process control (SPC) tools is essential. Keen attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set candidates apart in this technical environment. These competencies are critical for maintaining high production yields and ensuring precise, defect-free microfabrication.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in photolithography?

A typical day in Photolithography involves preparing and monitoring photolithography equipment, running process checks, and conducting inspections of semiconductor wafers for quality assurance. You’ll work closely with process engineers, equipment technicians, and quality control teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize yields. Cleanroom work and adherence to strict safety and contamination control protocols are a central part of the job. Collaboration, real-time problem-solving, and timely reporting are key to keeping fabrication lines running smoothly and efficiently.

More about Photolithography jobs
What cities are hiring for Photolithography jobs? Cities with the most Photolithography job openings:
What states have the most Photolithography jobs? States with the most job openings for Photolithography jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photolithography job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $43,013 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Photolithography Process Engineer

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Goleta, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

You will be a Photolithography Process Engineer at our Lockheed Martin Santa Barbara Focalplane site in Goleta, CA. We are seeking a Photolithography Subject Matter Expert to join our team and provide technical expertise and leadership in photolithography processes for semiconductor manufacturing.


What You Will Be Doing


As the SME for Photolithography, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise and leadership in the development, implementation, and optimization of photolithography processes for semiconductor manufacturing. This will include expertise in areas such as:



  • Lithography process development and optimization, including resist material selection, coating, and development

  • Lithography equipment operation and maintenance, including stepper and scanner systems

  • Photolithography process control and metrology, including critical dimension (CD) control and overlay metrology

  • Lithography-related defect reduction and yield enhancement


Key Responsibilities:



  • Develop and implement new photolithography processes and techniques to improve yield, throughput, and quality

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and quality, to ensure seamless integration of photolithography processes into overall semiconductor manufacturing

  • Analyze and resolve complex technical issues related to photolithography, including equipment, process, and material issues

  • Develop and maintain documentation, including process recipes, operating procedures, and technical reports

  • Provide training and guidance to junior engineers and technicians on photolithography processes and equipment

  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in photolithography, and apply this knowledge to improve company processes and products


Why Join Us


As a Photolithography Process Engineer, joining our team means becoming a vital part of a mission that safeguards those who serve and protect our national security. You'll be working within a team environment, with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions that make a real difference. If you're passionate about collaborating and contributing to a cause that has a true impact on global security, this is the place for you. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package and apply now here.


Further Information About This Opportunity:


This position is located in Santa Barbara (Goleta), CA. Discover Santa Barbara


MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access.


What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912