Photolithography Process Engineer

Summary

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Process Engineer specializing in Photolithography to support wafer-level packaging and multi-spectral array operations. This role is responsible for the development, optimization, and sustainment of photolithography processes using a range of equipment, including spin coaters, spray coaters, mask aligners, ashers and AOI tools. The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on technical expertise, a continuous improvement mindset and a commitment to operating in a fast-paced, high-mix environment while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. This role spans both automated cassette-to-cassette tools, and manual, one-off processes, requiring flexibility, precision, and cross functional collaboration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Own and maintain photolithography processes for wafer-level packaging across both cassette-to-cassette automated tools and manual one-off systems.

• Develop and optimize lithographic process parameters to ensure consistent performance, maximize yield, and maintain throughput without compromising quality.

• Create and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, process flows, and work instructions.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield enhancement, defect reduction and process control in a dynamic production environment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, production, quality, and maintenance teams to support product development, scale-up, and issue resolution.

• Monitor and analyze process data using statistical methods to detect trends and implement corrective actions where needed.

• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and company procedures.

• Provide training and mentorship to operators and technicians, ensuring adherence to process protocols and best practices.

• Promote and enforce a strong clean room culture, ensuring adherence to cleanliness, contamination control and stringent quality standards.

• Champions collaboration with supporting functions in line with Value Stream Manager priority and guidance. Ensure quality and safety of operations and support Operations initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.

• 2+ years of experience in semiconductor, MEMS, or wafer-level packaging with hands-on photolithography process ownership.

• Familiarity with photolithography equipment such as spin coaters, spray coaters, mask aligners, and ashers.

• Strong understanding of photoresist materials, exposure/develop parameters, and defect mitigation techniques.

• Experience with both manual and automated lithography tools preferred.

• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols and semiconductor process safety standards.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SPC tools, DOE, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5-Whys, Fishbone).

• Familiarity with wafer handling, bonding, and metrology processes.

• Background in high-mix, low-volume production environments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. For individuals to be considered for a security clearance, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), conducts personnel security background investigations for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. More information about security clearances can be found on the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website here:

The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology which comes under the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The candidate selected will have to qualify as either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. National, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a Person Admitted into the U.S. as an Asylee or Refugee., a National of a country that is not prohibited from having access to U.S. controlled technology (via a letter of assurance), or a Person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on Materions determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Materions business requirements.

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) is an equal employment opportunity employer. It is the Companys policy to not unlawfully discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Companys policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Companys personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Materions Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans in the workplace. We honor all those who have served and are a military friendly company. Veterans are encouraged to apply and military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.

Please provide complete information. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.