Principal Photolithography Process Engineer

IC Resources; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

IC Resources, on behalf of an international client, seeks a Principal Photolithography Process Engineer to lead development, optimization, and transfer of advanced photolithography processes for semiconductor devices from R&D through high-volume manufacturing.

You will oversee lithography equipment setup and maintenance, collaborate with design, integration, facilities, epitaxy, etching and testing teams, and define process controls, yield and reliability standards while driving continuous

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 (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.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of 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

Data analysis

Statistical process control

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Materials Science/Physics/Chemistry/EE

Tools

SEM

AFM

Profilometers

Steppers/Aligners (lithography equipment)

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.