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Photomask Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer, you will demonstrate a strong sense of reliability and enthusiasm and will possess an attitude that embodies our core values - Integrity, Commitment ...

For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology -- enabling the innovation behind smartphones, computers, automotive electronics, and countless other devices used ...

Applications Engineer

Delray Beach, FL · On-site

$95K - $169K/yr

We develop, manufacture, and distribute advanced nanomaching and laser-based photomask repair products, as well as CO2 cryo-cleaning technology for photomask and wafer applications used in the ...

We develop, manufacture, and distribute advanced nanomaching and laser-based photomask repair products, as well as CO2 cryo-cleaning technology for photomask and wafer applications used in the ...

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Photomask information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do photomask jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photomask in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a photomask cost?

The cost of a photomask varies depending on its size, complexity, and quantity ordered, typically ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per mask. For photomask fabrication, precision and high-quality materials are essential, and costs increase with finer feature sizes and larger formats. Job roles involving photomask design or manufacturing often require knowledge of these cost factors and industry standards.

What are photomasks?

Photomasks are precise templates used in semiconductor manufacturing to transfer circuit patterns onto silicon wafers during photolithography. They consist of a transparent substrate with opaque patterns that block light, enabling the creation of detailed microstructures essential for integrated circuits. Working with photomasks requires knowledge of cleanroom environments, pattern design, and exposure equipment.

What is a Photomask job?

A Photomask job involves designing, inspecting, and fabricating high-precision masks used in semiconductor manufacturing. These masks are templates that guide the patterning of microcircuits onto silicon wafers. Professionals in this field work with advanced lithography tools, cleanroom environments, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to ensure accuracy. Their role is critical for producing integrated circuits with ever-smaller geometries.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone working in a Photomask role?

A typical day for a Photomask professional involves designing, inspecting, and fabricating photomasks used in semiconductor manufacturing, as well as ensuring quality control through rigorous testing and measurement. You may collaborate closely with process engineers, lithography teams, and R&D engineers to resolve technical issues and optimize patterns for production. Regular responsibilities often include maintaining documentation, operating precision equipment in cleanroom conditions, and troubleshooting defects. The role is highly collaborative and requires constant attention to detail to support ongoing advances in chip technology.

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

To excel in a Photomask role, you should have a strong background in semiconductor manufacturing processes, photolithography, and precision measurement, often supported by a degree in engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with advanced fabrication tools, CAD software, cleanroom protocols, and sometimes industry certifications in microfabrication are typical requirements. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help differentiate top performers in this field. These skills ensure the precise production of photomasks, which are critical to maintaining high standards and yield in semiconductor device manufacturing.

What jobs are visual thinkers good at?

Visual thinkers are well-suited for roles like photomask designers, engineers, and technical illustrators, where spatial awareness and visual problem-solving are essential. They excel in tasks involving detailed visualization, CAD software, and pattern recognition, which are important in fields such as manufacturing, electronics, and design. Strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex visual information are key skills for these jobs.

What jobs will AI not touch?

Photomask job roles involve precise manual inspection and fabrication of masks used in semiconductor manufacturing, tasks that require fine motor skills, detailed visual analysis, and specialized knowledge. While AI can assist in pattern recognition and quality control, jobs requiring complex manual dexterity, creative problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship are less likely to be fully automated in the near term.
What cities are hiring for Photomask jobs? Cities with the most Photomask job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photomask jobs? The most popular types of Photomask jobs are:
What states have the most Photomask jobs? States with the most job openings for Photomask jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photomask job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 92% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Photomask Yield Engineer

Tekscend Photomask Round Rock, Inc

Round Rock, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a data‑driven Photomask Yield Engineer to own end‑to‑end yield analytics and drive continuous improvement across all photomask manufacturing processes. You will generate and maintain yield pareto reports, identify systemic yield detractors, lead root‑cause investigations, and partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in yield, cost, quality, and cycle time.

Yield Analytics & Reporting

  • Build and maintain daily/weekly/monthly yield paretos across all photomask process steps (write, develop, etch, clean, inspection/repair, pellicle attach).
  • Analyze top yield detractors, emerging trends, excursion patterns, and process/tool correlations.
  • Create dashboards and automated reports (e.g., Python + SQL + Power BI/Tableau/JMP) to communicate yield performance and progress to leadership and shop‑floor teams.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

  • Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, DMAIC, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 5 Whys), implement containment, corrective, and preventive actions.
  • Use SPC, DOE, and regression/ANOVA to validate changes and quantify impact.
  • Drive cross‑functional yield projects with Process, Metrology, Inspection, Equipment, and QA to reduce defectivity, variation, rework, and scrap.
  • Partner on NPI/technology transfers to ensure robust yield ramp and stable production windows.

Process & Tool Ownership (Yield Focus)

  • Monitor and improve yield for critical modules: e‑beam/laser write, develop, etch, cleans, inspection/repair (e.g., KLA, Lasertec/AIMS), registration, CD, pellicle attach.
  • Collaborate on tool health, PM optimization, and recipe/process window tuning to minimize excursions and drift.
  • Strengthen data integrity: traceability, lot histories, defect classification, test structures, and failure coding consistency.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • 3+ years relevant experience in photomask, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing (strong academic/coop background considered for entry‑level).
  • Proficiency with data/analytics tools: Python or R, SQL, JMP/Minitab; strong Excel.
  • Hands‑on experience with SPC, DOE, and root‑cause/problem‑solving methodologies.
  • Ability to interpret metrology/inspection data (CD, registration, defect maps, tool monitors).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience in photomask manufacturing (write, develop, etch, clean, pellicle, inspection/repair) and defect classification systems.
  • Familiarity with AIMSactinic, KLA/Lasertec, CD‑SEM, registration tools, and yield‑relevant test patterns/OPC.
  • Knowledge of phase‑shift masks, MoSi/Cr stacks, pellicles, and mask shop data flows.
  • Experience automating yield reporting with Python + SQL and visualization (Excel, Power BI/Tableau).
  • Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) or equivalent hands‑on experience in CI projects.
  • Demonstrated success driving cross‑functional yield improvements in high‑mix or high‑volume environments.
  • Familiarity with Photomask Failure Analysis methods to identify defect root cause.