CLAWS Lithography Engineer

NC State College of Engineering; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

Job summary

NC State College of Engineering seeks a Lithography Engineer to own and optimize lithography processes for wide-bandgap semiconductor applications in a university research setting. The role emphasizes hands-on tool ownership, process development, and collaboration with students and staff to deliver high-quality fabrication services.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in lithography, strong troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to safety and training in a multi-user lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in science or engineering; 5+ years in lithography role
• Hands-on troubleshooting and repair of lab lithography equipment
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams

Responsibilities

• Lead design and optimization of lithography processes for wide-bandgap devices.
• Provide process integration support for users; translate device needs into workflows.
• Deliver high-quality service work for external customers in semiconductor fabrication.
• Maintain tool uptime and stability through baseline monitoring and PMs.
• Develop and deliver training for students and researchers on lithography tools.

Skills

Lithography expertise

Troubleshooting

Communication

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelors degree in science or engineering

Tools

Contact lithography

Stepper/Projection lithography

Wafer coat/develop

E-beam/Direct-write

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number PG194452EP

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title CLAWS Lithography Engineer

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Education and Experience (up to $110,000)

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location Raleigh, NC

Department Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS)

About the Department

North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a >$78 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS). This initiative, part of the larger $2B investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors.

Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the “lab to fab” journey—translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including MACOM, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a highly-skilled lithography engineer to join our team and contribute to the ownership for NNF’s suite of lithography capabilities. The ideal candidate will have deep, hands‑on experience in all lithographic processes; including contact lithography tools, stepper/projection lithography tools, automated wafer coat/develop stations, and e-beam/laser direct-write systems.

Process Research & Development

• Advanced Development: Lead the design and optimization of cutting-edge photolithography processes tailored for next‑generation applications, specifically targeting wide‑bandgap devices for RF, power electronics, and photonics.
• Technical Consultation: Provide expert‑level process integration support to internal and external users, translating complex device requirements into repeatable lithographic workflows.
• Service Excellence: Execute high‑precision service work for external customers, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous industry standards for semiconductor fabrication.

Equipment Engineering & Maintenance

• Serve as the primary technical lead for lithography toolsets, ensuring maximum uptime and process stability through regular baseline monitoring.
• Maintenance & Repair: Independently perform scheduled preventative maintenance and diagnose/repair unscheduled hardware failures to minimize facility downtime.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with equipment manufacturers; coordinate complex service visits, manage service contracts, and oversee major tool overhauls.

User Training & Technical Communication

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for students and researchers, certifying users on tool operation, chemical safety, and lithographic theory.
• Act as the central communication hub for the lithography area, providing timely updates to management and users regarding tool status, process drifts, or facility interruptions.

Facility Operations & Compliance

• Actively participate in facility safety audits and uphold strict cleanroom protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.
• Maintain meticulous records including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance logs, user databases, and training certifications.
• Oversee the lithography supply chain, managing the inventory of specialized chemicals, resists, and critical spare parts to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.

Other Responsibilities

• Performing all necessary day‑to‑day tasks required to operate a multi‑user facility such as ordering and maintaining consumables inventory, contributing to housecleaning/lab organization, maintaining lab‑level documentation, etc.
• Contributing to technical discussions with users and staff.
• Working with/mentoring student staff.
• Working with fellow NNF staff members in other semiconductor fabrication technologies (etch, deposition, metrology, etc.).

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering discipline
• Five or more years of experience working as a lithography engineer in a university, government, or industry laboratory

Other Required Qualifications

• Excellent hands‑on skill with troubleshooting and repairing lab equipment
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel, including students
• Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety protocols
• Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and compressed gases
• Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Science or Engineering discipline
• Ten years of experience working as a lithography engineer in a university, government, or industry laboratory
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems
• Experience with electron beam lithography
• Two or more years working in an R1 University setting

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• N/A

Driver and Fleet Eligibility

Valid NC Driver's License required

No Commercial Driver's License required

Position Details

Position Number 00111842

Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 140110 - CLAWS EEO

Equal Opportunity Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 02/05/2026

Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled

Application Materials Required

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

None specified