Principal Photolithography Process Engineer

IC Resources; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IC Resources is seeking a Principal Photolithography Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and transfer of advanced lithography processes for semiconductor devices from R&D through high-volume manufacturing.

The role requires a PhD and 12+ years in photolithography, with deep expertise in mask design, resist technologies and cleanroom equipment. Collaboration across multiple teams and drive for process improvement are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• 12+ years in photolithography, ideally in compound semiconductors or photonics.
• Expertise in mask design, resist technologies, and cleanroom lithography equipment.
• Experience with characterization tools (SEM, AFM, profilometers).
• Strong understanding of photonics/optoelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Data analysis, SPC, troubleshooting, leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize photolithography processes for photonic devices.
• Support R&D/manufacturing wafers and transfer processes to large-scale production.
• Oversee lithography equipment setup, calibration, maintenance, and performance.
• Collaborate with design, integration, facilities, epitaxy, etching, and testing teams.
• Establish process controls, characterization methods, and yield/reliability standards.
• Troubleshoot lithography/process issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Research and implement new lithography techniques, materials, and technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and manage R&D projects aligned to business goals.

Skills

Photolithography

Process transfer

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Materials/Physics/Engineering

Tools

Mask design

Resist tech

Cleanroom tools

SEM/AFM tools

Job description

Our international client is currently searching for a Principal Photolithography Process Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and transfer of advanced photolithography processes for semiconductor devices from R&D through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize photolithography processes for photonic devices.
• Support R&D/manufacturing wafers and transfer processes to large-scale production.
• Oversee lithography equipment setup, calibration, maintenance, and performance.
• Collaborate with design, integration, facilities, epitaxy, etching, and testing teams.
• Establish process controls, characterization methods, and yield/reliability standards.
• Troubleshoot lithography/process issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Research and implement new lithography techniques, materials, and technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and manage R&D projects aligned to business goals.

Required Experience & Skills:

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• 12+ years in photolithography, ideally in compound semiconductors or photonics.
• Expertise in mask design, resist technologies, and cleanroom lithography equipment (steppers, aligners, spin coaters).
• Experience with characterization tools (SEM, AFM, profilometers).
• Strong understanding of photonics/optoelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Data analysis, statistical process control, troubleshooting, leadership, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Semiconductor process integration and fabrication workflow knowledge.
• Familiarity with optical/photonics industry standards.