Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer

TSMC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off

On-site facilities and team events

Job summary

TSMC Arizona is seeking a Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer to drive both process innovation and equipment excellence at the Phoenix facility. You will lead installation, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve high-volume manufacturing with precise control and high yield.

The role requires design of experiments, data analysis, and collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams, plus training operators in SOPs and BKM to ensure operational readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a physical science field.
• Ability to design experiments and interpret data.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment installation and qualification.
• Strong troubleshooting of complex equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead installation and release of new photomask process equipment.
• Design experiments and interpret data to optimize processes.
• Apply SPC to sustain robust photomask processes.
• Qualify and sustain manufacturing equipment to expand capacity.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to maintain high efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners on mitigation solutions.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to maintain on-time photomask production.
• Develop and deliver training programs to certify operators.

Skills

Experiment design

Statistical process control

Equipment installation & qualification

Troubleshooting equipment

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

Adaptability in fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Python programming

Job description

A career at TSMC Arizona offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the most advanced semiconductor fabrication facility in the United States. TSMC Arizona's first fab began production with leading-edge N4 process technology in the first half of 2025. The second and third fabs, utilizing even more advanced process technology, will start production by 2028-2030. America's leading technology companies will rely on TSMC Arizona for the next generations of chips that will power the digital future.

As a Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer, you will demonstrate a strong sense of reliability and enthusiasm and will possess an attitude that embodies our core values – Integrity, Commitment, Innovation and Customer Trust.

TSMC Arizona’s EBO is responsible for EUV and Optical photomask making including leading edge photomask writing, processing, inspection, repair, cleaning and metrology technology.

As a photomask Process/Equipment Engineer, you will play a critical dual role in optimizing and sustaining the advanced photomask processes and equipment. You will drive both process innovation through experimental design and data analysis, and ensure equipment excellence by leading installation, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives. While the Best Known Method (BKM) has been defined, provide SOP documentation to coach and assist operation technicians to achieve High Volume Manufacturing (HVM). This position is vital to achieving precise control, high yield, and robust operations in our leading-edge photomask making facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation and release of new photomask process equipment, ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Design and execute experiments, interpreting complex data sets to optimize photomask processes and achieve precise control.
• Apply statistical process control methods to establish and sustain a robust photomask process flow.
• Qualify and sustain manufacturing equipment to expand capacity, improve tool uptime availability, and utilization efficiency.
• Systematically troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment issues to maintain high operational efficiency.
• Collaborate effectively with equipment and material suppliers and partners to identify technology gaps, devise, evaluate, and qualify mitigation and continuous improvement solutions.
• Collaboration with manufacturing team to pursue on-time photomask making and repairing to achieve High Volume Manufacturing (HVM)
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs, leveraging established Best Known Methods (BKM) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), to certify operation technicians

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s of science Degree in an engineering or scientific field such as Physics, Material Science, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Technical Skills:
  • Ability to design and execute experiments and interpret complex data.
  • Understanding and application of statistical process control methods.
  • Experience with manufacturing equipment installation, qualification, and sustenance (preferred, but no prior experience required).
  • Ability to systematically troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills to work on cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.
  • Ability to adapt priorities and responsibilities to support business needs.
  • A team player who can multitask and thrive in a very dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to wear a clean-room suit while standing and or walking in the FAB as needed
  • This role requires the ability to work across office, clean-room, and data center environments, performing tasks that range from standard office duties to specialized operations in controlled spaces, including the ability to occasionally stand, walk, reach, bend, and carry light objects
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Masters Degree is preferred
  • Photonics, optics or image process related degree
  • Python programming capability to develop and boost project study
    • Shift Expectations: Scheduled weekdays /night shifts and weekend on-duty rotations needed. Training:
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ (onsite)
  • Travel : None

Application Consideration Consent

By applying to this position, I acknowledge and agree that my application and qualifications may be considered for other roles within the company. However, I reserve the right to withdraw my consent for future consideration of other roles within the company at any time.

Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site at our Phoenix, Arizona facility.

Benefits

As a valued member of the TSMC family, we place a significant focus on your health and well-being. When you are at your best—physically, mentally, and financially—our company thrives. TSMC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program that includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Choose the options that best fit your and your family’s needs.
• Income-Protection Programs: Financial assistance during injury or illness.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: Secure your financial future with competitive employer contributions.
• Paid Time-Off Programs and Holidays: Recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.

Work Location

5088 W. Innovation Circle, Phoenix, AZ 85083

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [e-mail]

TSMC Arizona maintains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of TSMC Arizona’s pre-employment screening process. This process may include verifying the candidate’s identity, confirming legal authorization to work in the offered position's location, educational background and a comprehensive background check, where permitted by local regulations.