Photo Mask / Reticle Build Engineer

Polar Semiconductor, LLC; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Polar Semiconductor, located in Bloomington, MN, seeks a Reticle Build Engineer for photomask operations. The role encompasses using MaskCompose for reticle management, ensuring compliance to strict quality standards, and involves working collaboratively with internal and external teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off starting the first day

401k including a generous company match

Tuition assistance

Disability and life insurance

Legal and ID theft insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Annual Incentive Program (Bonus)

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing or photomask engineering.
• Experience with mask composition tools is essential.
• Understanding of photolithography and related processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage reticle job decks using MaskCompose.
• Coordinate mask builds and ensure timely delivery.
• Perform data validation and collaborate with teams.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Tools

MaskCompose

DRC tools (e.g., Calibre)

Job description

Photo Mask / Reticle Build Engineer page is loaded

Photo Mask / Reticle Build Engineer

Apply locations Bloomington, MN, USA time type Full time posted on Posted 16 Days Ago job requisition id R3370

Polar is an U.S.-based manufacturer of analog and power semiconductor devices and sensors.

Proudly located in the Upper Midwest—the birthplace of the supercomputer and beating heart of the automotive industry—Polar Semiconductor is leading the charge in American made semiconductor manufacturing.

SUMMARY:

Polar Semiconductor is seeking a Reticle Build Engineer to support our photomask operations and reticle lifecycle management using MaskCompose and related tools. In this role, you will be responsible for translating design intent into high-quality reticles used in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices. This position requires hands-on experience with mask composition, job deck creation, data verification, and collaboration with internal and external teams. Working knowledge of PCM, IPM and alignment tree are

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Use MaskCompose tools to create and manage reticle job decks, including layout composition, data alignment, and layer mapping.

• Coordinate mask builds from design tape-out to delivery, ensuring accurate and timely reticle generation.

• Perform data validation and integrity checks prior to mask submission.

• Collaborate with design, process, and fab teams to understand reticle requirements and resolve technical issues.

• Interface with external mask shops to track status, quality, and turnaround time of photomasks.

• Review and disposition mask defects; initiate rework or remakes when necessary.

• Maintain reticle inventory, revision control, and documentation for production and engineering use.

• Support continuous improvement in reticle build workflows and automation initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing or photomask engineering.

• Experience with MaskCompose or similar mask composition tools.

• Understanding of photolithography and mask manufacturing processes.

• Familiarity with GDSII/OASIS formats and data handling.

• Working knowledge of reticle job deck formats and layout tools.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with job deck scripting or automation (e.g., Python, Perl, Tcl).

• Knowledge of DRC tools (e.g., Calibre) and OPC processes.

• Exposure to EUV or DUV reticle technology and inspection tools.

• Prior experience working with offshore mask shops or foundry partners.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily office-based with potential access to cleanroom and lithography areas.

• Occasional off-hours support may be required during critical production cycles.

• Hybrid / remote negotiable

The estimated base pay for the position is $115,000-$168,000. The pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, job-related experience, skills and level of the position.

• Full-time employees will be eligible to receive the following benefits and additional compensation:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off starting the first day

  • 401k including a generous company match

  • Tuition assistance

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Legal and ID theft insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Annual Incentive Program (Bonus)

About Us

Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Polar Semiconductor has over 60 years of integrated circuit and power semiconductor experience—but we’re more than just a manufacturing facility. We are a highly specialized pure-play foundry capable of complex, custom orders. Our flexibility and tailored support allow us to collaboratively partner with customers of all sizes, capabilities, and capacities to produce the next wave of industry-disrupting technology.

At Polar Semiconductor, talented professionals grow and excel in a progressive, technical environment that empowers you to make the most of your training and experience. Every Polar Semiconductor employee knows that our organizational success requires a solid commitment to the highest quality in every task we undertake and to satisfying our customers with every project, every time. Our team members are encouraged to be proactive in evaluating processes and making improvements, and our culture is inclusive, team-oriented, and open to new ideas and differing viewpoints. To ensure top quality, we provide employees with extensive training and use statistical process control, failure mode effect analysis, and other quality tools as standard practice. We are a dynamic organization, where you can maximize your potential and achieve all of your goals.