1

Photolithography Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Photolithography Automation Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing overlay, critical dimension uniformity, and patterning through automation and data-driven solutions. This role offers ...

As a Senior Photolithography Process Engineer you will be primarily responsible for starting up, developing, and optimizing processes to improve product quality, driving process yield improvements ...

Showing results 41-60

Photolithography Engineer information

See salary details

$38K

$115.9K

$191.5K

How much do photolithography engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for photolithography engineer in the United States is $115,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photolithography engineer do?

A Photolithography Engineer is responsible for developing and optimizing photolithography processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They work with photomasks, resists, and advanced lithography equipment to define circuit patterns on silicon wafers. Their role includes troubleshooting process issues, improving resolution and yield, and collaborating with process integration and equipment teams to enhance production efficiency.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a photolithography engineer?

To thrive as a Photolithography Engineer, you need a strong background in semiconductor device physics, process engineering, and photolithographic techniques, typically underpinned by a degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as stepper/scanner systems (e.g., ASML), cleanroom protocols, and process control software is essential, and industry certifications can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this position. These capabilities are vital to maintaining high-yield, defect-free production in the fast-paced, precision-driven semiconductor manufacturing environment.

What is a photolithography engineer?

A photolithography engineer specializes in designing and optimizing the photolithography process used in semiconductor manufacturing to transfer circuit patterns onto silicon wafers. They work with equipment like mask aligners and steppers, and often require knowledge of optics, materials, and process control to ensure precise patterning at nanometer scales.

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. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in semiconductor fabrication can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and stock options in high-tech industries.

What does a typical day look like for a photolithography engineer in a semiconductor fabrication facility?

A typical day for a Photolithography Engineer involves monitoring and optimizing photolithography processes, troubleshooting equipment or process deviations, and collaborating closely with process integration, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance teams. You'll spend time both in cleanroom environments operating and maintaining lithography equipment, as well as in office settings analyzing data to improve process yields. Participation in cross-functional meetings to discuss production metrics, new technology introductions, or problem-solving is common. The role balances hands-on technical work with analytical responsibilities and provides opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement projects.

More about Photolithography Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Photolithography Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Photolithography Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photolithography Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Photolithography Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Photolithography Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Photolithography Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photolithography Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photolithography Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Photolithography Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,864 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Senior Photolithography Equipment Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

$123K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world's communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.
Coherent's broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pรฉrot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs.
Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.
  • Install, qualify, maintain, and optimize photolithography equipment in a semiconductor fab
  • Drive yield, uptime, and process stability
  • Work in a cleanroom manufacturing environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Equipment install + qualification (new fab tools)
  • Sustainment: troubleshooting, repairs, documentation
  • Partner with process engineers to fix production issues
  • Manage vendors + tool performance metrics
  • Able to write purchase req's for vendors and parts
  • Implement Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies

Education & Experience
  • AA or BS and 10+ years in wafer fab equipment engineering.
  • Experience in photolithography
  • Professional certifications is a plus

Skills
  • Semiconductor fab experience with ASM, Cannon steppers preferred, Tel tracks, aligners,
  • Strong troubleshooting + data analysis
  • Cross-functional collaboration (process + manufacturing teams)
  • Programming / data science increasingly valued
  • Good communication & interpersonal skills

Working Conditions
Fab work - Require to in a bunny suit, facemask, gloves and booties. Will be required to wear proper PPE when working on some applications.
Physical Requirements
At a minimum, you must include the following:
  • Standing sometimes (8 hours per day)
  • Lifting (40lbs.)
  • Pushing/Pulling (50lbs.)
  • Sitting sometimes (8 hours per day)

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.