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Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer Jobs

... and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean ... Process Engineer - Lithography Job Purpose: The PCB industry is experiencing a renaissance with the ...

$125 - $150/hr

Photolithography Process Development Engineer 200 NeoCity Wy, Kissimmee, FL 34744, USA Posted ... Hands-on semiconductor fab processing experience with a strong understanding of lithography ...

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Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

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How much do semiconductor lithography process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor lithography process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a semiconductor lithography process engineer do?

A Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the photolithography processes used to pattern intricate features onto semiconductor wafers during chip manufacturing. They work with advanced equipment like steppers or scanners, photoresist materials, and various process chemicals. Their role involves troubleshooting process issues, improving yield, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring that patterns are accurately transferred onto wafers to meet design specifications. This position is critical for the production of high-performance and reliable semiconductor devices.

What are some typical challenges faced by a semiconductor lithography process engineer and how can they be addressed?

Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining stringent process control, resolving equipment downtime, and adapting to rapid technology changes. Addressing these issues requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, continuous monitoring of process metrics, and proactive troubleshooting. Staying current with industry advancements and participating in ongoing training also helps engineers effectively implement new lithography techniques and tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a semiconductor lithography process engineer, and why are they important?

A Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer needs a strong background in materials science, physics, or engineering, often with a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field. Proficiency with photolithography equipment (such as ASML scanners), process simulation tools, and familiarity with cleanroom protocols are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to optimize manufacturing yields, innovate process improvements, and maintain the precision required in semiconductor fabrication.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer vs Semiconductor Equipment Engineer?

AspectSemiconductor Lithography Process EngineerSemiconductor Equipment Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields; often requires knowledge of lithography toolsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering; focuses on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on process development and optimizationManufacturing floors and maintenance areas working on equipment installation and repair
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor fabrication plants to improve lithography processesUsed across semiconductor fabs to ensure equipment performance and uptime

The Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer specializes in developing and optimizing lithography processes critical for chip patterning, while the Semiconductor Equipment Engineer focuses on maintaining and repairing the machinery used in semiconductor manufacturing. Both roles are essential in the industry, but they differ in focus, skills, and daily tasks.

What cities are hiring for Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer jobs?

For Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Semiconductor Lithography Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Lithography Process Engineer -Quantum Program

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Optimize lithography process on DUV scanner and conduct troubleshooting

  • Create process, module, and device integration solutions for different platforms and quantum structures

  • Design, collect data, analyze and compile reports on process engineering experiments


Job description

Who We Are


Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world's technology.


What We Offer


Salary:

$128,000.00 - $176,000.00

Location:

Albany,NY, Santa Clara,CA

You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.

Applied Materials, Inc. is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations Make Possible the technology shaping the future.

At Applied's CTO group, we focus on solid-state solutions for quantum technology, i.e. superconducting qubits and optical quantum computing. Our primary objective is to collaborate with system companies and universities to develop quantum devices with significantly lower error rates compared to current standards. Our approach centers on harnessing state of the art materials engineering and semiconductor processing, as well as our expertise in advanced (metasurface-based) optics to enhance device performance.

To achieve this goal, we're seeking a passionate technologist and experience lithography engineer with strong semiconductor background to develop process and device integration solutions for emerging markets and new technology inflection on quantum information. We value our people and teams who turn possibilities into reality. We are deeply committed to fostering a Culture of Inclusion where every person knows they belong, feels empowered to bring their whole self to work, and is inspired to grow.

Responsibilities

  • Optimize lithography process on DUV scanner and conduct troubleshooting
  • Familiar with mask layout design and basic knowledge of OPC
  • Familiar with CDSEM recipe creation and optimization
  • Create process, module, and device integration solutions for different platforms and quantum structures
  • Work with advanced packaging, process, hardware, and metrology team to develop new lithography process for quantum devices
  • Work with different teams including external vendors to develop new materials, processes, and structures for quantum devices
  • Design, collect data, analyze and compile reports on a variety of difficult process engineering experiments, within safety guidelines
  • Troubleshoot a variety of complex problems, perform Root Cause Analysis and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering issues
  • Generate internal and external documentation for products, presentations and technical reports
  • Design and conduct experiments, measure material and device properties and interpret data
  • Keep up to date with the latest advancements in device integration, quantum information, and related fields to continually implement new technologies, enhance approaches, and develop methodologies
  • Collaborate with customers, start-ups, or universities to identify key problems and develop enabling solutions

Functional Knowledge

  • Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines
  • Familiar with lithography and scanner operations
  • Familiar with key CMOS modules/processes/flow

Business Expertise

  • Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

  • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Problem Solving

  • Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Impact

  • Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies
  • Explore new growth area leveraging Applied's expertise in precision material engineering

Interpersonal Skills

  • Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Skills:

Certifications:

Languages:

Years of Experience: 7-10 Years

Work Experience:

  • 7-10 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor industry
  • Lithography process
  • Film and metrology tools
  • Layout design with Python, MATLAB or equivalent, will be a plus

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.