Photomask Dry Etch Engineer

Toppan Photomasks Round Rock; Round Rock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Toppan Photomasks Round Rock is seeking a Dry Etch Process Engineer to support plasma-based dry etch processes in photomask manufacturing. You will sustain daily processes, define equipment needs, optimize plasma etch performance, and drive new dry etch tech into production.

You will work with operations and development teams to ensure robust integration and continuous yield, cycle time, and quality improvements across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or related field.
• 3+ years in Dry Etch Process Engineering in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing or advanced degree with related thesis work.
• Strong troubleshooting including root-cause analysis (5 Whys, MBA/8D).
• Experience in DOE, statistical data analysis, APC, recipe management, SPC, OCAP creation.
• Defect/reduction and yield-improvement initiatives.
• Hands-on tool ownership: equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance optimization, FMEA, FDC.
• Proficient in JMP and Excel, with basic scripting: VBA, JSL, Python, SQL.
• Familiarity with SEM/EDX, AFM, ToF-SIMS, XPS interpretation.
• Familiarity with Gantt charts and multiple priority management.
• Strong verbal and written communication across all levels.
• Self-starter with attention to detail and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support plasma-based dry etch processes for photomask manufacturing.
• Define equipment requirements and optimize plasma etch performance.
• Drive introduction of new dry etch technologies into production.
• Collaborate with operations and development teams for robust integration.
• Continuously improve yield, cycle time and product quality.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/chemistry

Tools

JMP

Excel

VBA

Python

SQL

JSL

Job description

Job description:

The Dry Etch Process Engineer will serve as a key technical contributor supporting plasma-based dry etch processes for photomask manufacturing. As part of the etch engineering team, this role is responsible for daily process sustaining, defining equipment requirements, optimizing plasma etch performance, and driving the introduction of new dry etch technologies into production. The engineer will work closely with operations and technical development teams to ensure robust process integration and to continuously improve yield, cycle time, and overall product quality.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of Dry Etch Process Engineering experience in highvolume semiconductor manufacturing or new grad with advanced degree and semiconductor-related thesis work.
• Strong troubleshooting capability, including rootcause analysis (5 Whys, ModelBased Problem Solving) and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (8D).
• Experience in process development and continuous improvement methodologies, such as DOE, statistical data analysis, APC, recipe management, SPC, and OCAP creation.
• Demonstrated success in defectreduction, CDvariabilityreduction, and yieldimprovement initiatives.
• Handson tool ownership experience, including equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance optimization, FMEA, and FDC utilization.
• Proficient in data analysis using tools such as JMP and Excel, with basic scripting or coding skills (VBA, JSL, Python, SQL).
• Basic familiarity with surface characterization techniques (e.g., SEM/EDX, AFM/profilometry, ToF-SIMs, XPS, etc.): when to use what technique and how to interpret the data.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts) and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with personnel at all organizational levels-from equipment operators to senior leadership.
• A selfstarter with strong attention to detail, solid organizational skills, and a collaborative mindset.