Semiconductor Lithography Engineer

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 83,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Ottawa is seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time role in semiconductor fabrication. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in relevant sciences and extensive hands-on experience in an R&D environment. Responsibilities include optimizing semiconductor processes and ensuring safe practices in the lab. The position offers a competitive salary range of $83,985 to $139,608 and a supportive work culture promoting innovation and teamwork.

Benefits

Robust pension plan

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in R&D or semiconductor fabrication environment.
• Solid knowledge of qualifying and maintaining lithography tools.
• Ability to integrate complex process steps for semiconductor devices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in semiconductor fabrication.
• Optimize processes using statistical methods.
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Skills

Photolithography principles

Process development and optimization

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Teamwork

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Chemical or Materials Sciences

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

Semiconductor lithography tools

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons. * The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre

Classification: RCO

Tenure: Term

Duration: 2 years

Language Requirements: English

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full‑time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

Note: This position is being reposted. If you have previously applied you do not need to re‑apply.

The Role

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in the Physical, Chemical or Materials Sciences or other engineering disciplines.

A PhD in one of these disciplines will be considered an asset.

• Extensive and recent hands‑on experience in a research and development (R&D) or semiconductor fabrication environment.
• Extensive experience with semiconductor lithography tools, including process development and optimization.
• Basic experience with an InP‑based technology platform.
• Basic experience in Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DoE), and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Basic experience in process integration for semiconductor devices.
• Experience with ASML steppers, contact aligners, and e‑beam lithography will be considered an asset.

*Basic experience is defined as experience of up to one (1) year.

**Extensive experience is defined as experience of at least five (5) years.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Must be available for shift‑work on evenings.

Must qualify to work in a controlled Goods Zone, Training will be provided.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Solid knowledge of photolithography principles, processes (coating, exposure, development), and characterization techniques.
• Solid knowledge of qualifying and maintaining lithography tools such as resist coaters, developers, and aligners and/or steppers.
• Ability to integrate complex process steps in the fabrication of semiconductor‑based devices.
• Solid knowledge of SPC and DoE methods for process development and optimization.
• Knowledge of process improvement methods to support consistent, high‑quality manufacturing.
• Solid knowledge of safe practices for working with chemicals, compressed gases, liquid nitrogen, and electrical, mechanical, and vacuum systems.
• Research - Communication (Level 2)
• Research - Creative thinking (Level 2)
• Research - Partnering (Level 1)
• Research - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Research - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research.

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO‑2/3 level with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608.

Note: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide‑range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world‑renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground‑breaking discoveries to a life‑changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC’s directives.
• A pre‑qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one‑year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• This position requires to work the evening shift.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• The incumbent is expected to work in a cleanroom laboratory environment and follow the established health and safety guidelines.
• The incumbent will be expected to work with hazardous chemicals and materials.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (22781) to: E‑mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc‑cnrc.gc.ca

Closing Date: 14 January 2026 - 11:59 PM Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources.

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.