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Photolithography Process Development Engineer Jobs

$125 - $150/hr

Photolithography Process Development Engineer 200 NeoCity Wy, Kissimmee, FL 34744, USA Posted Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps ...

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Photolithography Process Development Engineer information

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$45.5K

$101.6K

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How much do photolithography process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for photolithography process development engineer in the United States is $101,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photolithography process development engineer do?

A Photolithography Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting photolithography processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They design experiments, analyze data, and work closely with other engineers to improve yield, resolution, and overall process performance. Their work ensures that patterns are accurately transferred to silicon wafers, which is critical for the production of integrated circuits and microchips.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photolithography process development engineer?

To thrive as a Photolithography Process Development Engineer, you need a solid background in semiconductor physics, microfabrication, and chemical engineering, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Expertise in photolithography equipment (such as steppers and scanners), cleanroom protocols, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or JMP is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills help engineers excel in developing and optimizing complex processes. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring high-yield semiconductor manufacturing and driving technological innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by photolithography process development engineers when introducing new processes into production?

Photolithography Process Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring process stability and repeatability when scaling up from development to full production. Integrating new photolithographic techniques may require close collaboration with equipment engineers, materials scientists, and production teams to address issues like defect control, critical dimension uniformity, and equipment compatibility. Additionally, maintaining tight process windows and troubleshooting unexpected results under real-world manufacturing conditions are frequent hurdles. Successful engineers proactively communicate across departments and use systematic problem-solving approaches to overcome these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Photolithography Process Development Engineer jobs?

For Photolithography Process Development Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Photolithography Process Development Engineer (51118)

Milpitas, CA • On-site

TDK Headway Technologies Inc.
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

TITLE:                        PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

FLSA STATUS:          EXEMPT

REPORTS TO:          DIRECTOR OR MANAGER, PHOTOLITHOGRAPY PROCESS OR MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the department Director, the Photolithography Process Development Engineer is responsible for the developing and implementing new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads, including implementing new photolithography processes which ensure product manufacturability; designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and presents findings; research, selects, and qualifies new tools which improve efficiency and yield. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Develops and implements new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads
  • Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability
  • Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops recommendations for improving performance and yield while reducing scrap
  • Adheres to appropriate timeline for introducing new processes into the manufacturing line
  • Partners with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering to develop and deliver products and programs
  • Oversees the work of the Process Technicians to ensure accurate process execution and efficient wafer disposition
  • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred
  • One to three years of experience working in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry in Process Development
  • Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of semiconductor or HDD industry principles, practices, and techniques
  • Knowledge of wafer fabrication processing techniques, including process development and integration practices
  • Knowledge of TMR and PMR processes and applications
  • Knowledge of wafer manufacturing principles, processes, and equipment
  • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
  • Knowledge and ability to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to analyze data, create reports, present findings, and recommend appropriate action
  • Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
  • Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
  • Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
  • Flexible and able to prioritize

The annual rate for this full-time position is between $121,000.00-$160,000.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Photolithography Process/Manufacturing Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from site-to-site as needed.  May also work in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer fab manufacturing facility; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time while in the wafer manufacturing facility; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.

*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.