Applications Engineer, Lead

Photronics; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Photronics in Boise, ID, is seeking a senior data preparation lead to define and advance photomask data workflows on-site. You will optimize mask data with industry tools, drive advanced verification, and collaborate with manufacturing, design, and customers.

A strong background in GDSII/OASIS and Unix is required. This role offers opportunities to influence regional engineering directions, work with cross-functional teams, and contribute to a global technology leader in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of experience in photomask data preparation or related semiconductor design.
• Expert knowledge of GDSII/OASIS formats and layout principles.
• Proven track record leading complex technical initiatives and influencing engineering direction.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical direction of photomask data prep workflows with leadership.
• Prepare and optimize mask data using Synopsys CATS and NCS NDE.
• Generate complex job decks and manage reticle layout and frame placement.
• Conduct layout verification with MRC and MPC to ensure manufacturability.
• Lead root-cause analysis of data issues across manufacturing, design, and customers.
• Partner with regional resources to implement automation for scalability.
• Lead evaluations of new data operation tools and approve regional adoption.
• Create and maintain technical documentation reflecting new products.
• Act as lead liaison for key customers and translate requirements into plans.
• Handle additional responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Exceptional project management

Clear and effective communicator

Strong Unix environment experience

Ability to obtain government clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Master’s preferred

Tools

Synopsys CATS

NCS NDE

Mask Rule Checks (MRC)

Mask Proximity Correction (MPC)

Job description

Location: Boise, ID (US). This is an on‑site position, and we are not open to remote candidates currently.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 4:00PM

Responsibilities

• Define the technical direction of photomask data preparation workflows and standards by partnering with leadership to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and capability expansion across the regional data engineering organization.
• Prepare and optimize complex and advanced mask data using tools such as Synopsys CATS and NCS NDE, converting layout files (GDSII/OASIS) into fractured and production ready mask data for manufacturing. This may include complex and advanced conversion between data formats as well as data digitization.
• Generate complex and advanced job decks, manage reticle layout and frame placement, and support metrology activities.
• Conduct complex layout verification utilizing tools like Mask Rule Checks (MRC) and Mask Proximity Correction (MPC) to ensure manufacturability and design integrity. Establish advanced MRC and MPC requirements and implementation methods in coordination with other sites, vendors or customers. Provide documentation and training in support of these activities.
• Spearhead root cause analysis and resolution of complex layout or data issues, working cross‑functionally with manufacturing, design, and customer teams.
• Partner with corporate resources to support design and drive implementation of advanced automation solutions to improve scalability and reduce turnaround times regionally.
• Lead evaluations of data operation’s new tools and methodologies, making both strategic recommendations for adoption and champion implementation regionally.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, defining best practices to reflect new products and technologies introductions regionally.
• Act as a lead technical liaison for key customers, translating requirements into actionable plans, and driving successful implementation.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Travel

• Less than 10% Onsite support as needed for regional and international customer and operational initiatives.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Attributes)

• Exceptional project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Clear and effective communicator with the ability to engage both technical teams and executive‑level stakeholders. Motivated self‑starter with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong Unix environment experience and ability to work at one of our sites. If US, ability to obtain government clearance.

Experience

• 6 - 8+ years of experience in photomask data preparation, IC layout/data engineering, or related semiconductor design disciplines.
• Expert knowledge of GDSII/OASIS formats, data hierarchies, and semiconductor layout principles.
• Proven success in leading complex technical initiatives and influencing engineering direction.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• Be part of a global technology leader driving innovation for the world’s biggest tech companies.
• Work in a collaborative, growth‑focused environment where your expertise will have a real impact.
• Develop your leadership skills by mentoring and guiding a talented accounting team.
• Enjoy stability, challenge, and opportunity at a company with more than 50 years of proven success.
• Competitive salary and annual bonus program.
• Equity compensation eligibility.
• Full suite of health and welfare benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.

Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for team members’ disabilities and religious beliefs or practices.