Photolithography Process Engineer

Coherent Corp.; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Sherman, Texas, is seeking a senior semiconductor photolithography process engineer to develop, optimize, and maintain InP wafer lithography processes.

You will support production with i-line, DUV, electron beam lithography, and coat/develop systems, and collaborate across teams to ensure seamless integration with etch and deposition steps. The role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field and at least 5 years of semiconductor lithography

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of semiconductor photolithography process engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain photolithography processes for InP wafer fabrication.
• Support production using i-line, DUV, electron beam lithography, contact aligners, and coat/develop systems.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain production recipes while supporting automated recipe download, recipe verification, and process standardization.
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify root causes to improve yield and product performance.
• Design and execute experiments to improve lithography performance, process capability, and manufacturability.
• Monitor and optimize critical process metrics, including CD, overlay performance, and tool-specific process parameters.
• Monitor equipment health and process performance using SPC, fault detection, and equipment data to identify trends and prevent process excursions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of lithography with etch, deposition, and other manufacturing processes.
• Partner with equipment, automation, and manufacturing engineers to improve equipment reliability, recipe control, and overall process capability.
• Analyze process data using SPC and statistical software to maintain stable, capable processes.
• Develop process documentation, operating procedures, engineering reports, and process specifications.
• Support equipment qualifications, process transfers, and new product introductions.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers as needed.

Skills

Photolithography

Process ownership

DOE

SPC

APC

Data analysis

Python

SQL

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting

Communication

MES/SECS-GEM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Materials Science

Physics

Related technical field

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Excel

SQL

Python

MES

SECS/GEM

Job description

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain photolithography processes for InP wafer fabrication.
• Support production using i-line, DUV, electron beam lithography, contact aligners, and coat/develop systems.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain production recipes while supporting automated recipe download, recipe verification, and process standardization.
• Troubleshoot process issues and identify root causes to improve yield and product performance.
• Design and execute experiments to improve lithography performance, process capability, and manufacturability.
• Monitor and optimize critical process metrics, including CD, overlay performance, and tool-specific process parameters.
• Monitor equipment health and process performance using SPC, fault detection, and equipment data to identify trends and prevent process excursions.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of lithography with etch, deposition, and other manufacturing processes.
• Partner with equipment, automation, and manufacturing engineers to improve equipment reliability, recipe control, and overall process capability.
• Analyze process data using SPC and statistical software to maintain stable, capable processes.
• Develop process documentation, operating procedures, engineering reports, and process specifications.
• Support equipment qualifications, process transfers, and new product introductions.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of semiconductor photolithography process engineering experience.

Skills

• Experience processing GaAs and/or InP wafers in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience as a process owner and/or equipment owner for i-line, DUV, contact aligner, or electron beam lithography systems.
• Strong understanding of photolithography fundamentals, including resist processing, focus and exposure optimization, alignment strategies, and process window development.
• Experience using CD and overlay metrology to monitor and improve lithography performance.
• Experience with MES, SECS/GEM, recipe download, or factory automation systems.
• Experience with fault detection and classification (FDC), advanced process control (APC), or equipment health monitoring.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, and process capability analysis.
• Proficiency creating database queries, automated reports, or data analysis tools using JMP, Minitab, Excel, SQL, Python, or similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to solve complex manufacturing problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Working Conditions

• Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated
• Will be exposed to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semi-conductor protocol/requirements

Physical Requirements

• Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
• Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
• Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
• Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
• Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
• Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
• Sit for up to 4 hours at a time

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!