Photomask Resist Strip/Cleans Semiconductor Engineer

Tekscend Photomask Corp.; Round Rock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tekscend Photomask Corp. in Round Rock, TX seeks a Semiconductor Engineer with 3+ years in semiconductor fabrication to drive process execution, optimization, and yield in a cleanroom environment for advanced photomasks.

The ideal candidate will lead process optimization, tool qualification, and technology transfer, with a strong background in SPC, DOE, and cross-functional collaboration. Bachelor’s in a related field is required; photomask experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in a semiconductor cleanroom or wafer fab environment.
• Hands-on experience with major fab process areas (cleans, lithography, etch, deposition, CMP, diffusion, metrology).
• Strong SPC usage and statistical analysis skills for process performance.
• Ability to troubleshoot yield, defectivity, and equipment-related issues.
• Experience documenting processes, work instructions, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain photomask cleaning processes to meet specs and quality standards.
• Own post-process cleaning operations including resist strip, wet cleaning, megasonic, UV/Ozone, and contamination removal.
• Monitor metrics: defect density, particles, yield, cycle time, and tool utilization.
• Lead root cause investigations for contamination events and yield losses.
• Establish SPC systems and control plans for stable manufacturing performance.
• Define and qualify new chemistries, recipes, and operating parameters.
• Lead qualification for new cleaning equipment and process modifications.
• Develop process documentation: specs, FMEAs, SOPs, work instructions, control plans.
• Train technicians and junior engineers on cleaning processes and troubleshooting.
• Participate in on-call support for critical process or equipment excursions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Technical communication

Mentoring

On-call support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics

Tools

JMP

Excel

Python

SQL

VBA

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Semiconductor Engineer with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication environments. This role focuses on process execution, optimization, and yield improvement within a cleanroom setting, supporting the manufacture of advanced semiconductor photomasks. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, safety-conscious, and experienced working with complex equipment and tightly controlled processes. They possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to lead process optimization, tool qualifications, and technology transfer activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and sustain photomask cleaning processes to ensure compliance with customer specifications and manufacturing quality standards.
• Own and continuously improve post-process cleaning operations, including resist strip, wet cleaning, megasonic cleaning, UV/Ozone cleaning, and contamination removal processes.
• Monitor and improve key process metrics including defect density, particle performance, yield, cycle time, and tool utilization.
• Perform process characterization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis to improve yield and reliability
• Lead root cause investigations for contamination events, particle excursions, haze formation, cleaning defects, and yield losses.
• Establish and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems and process control plans to ensure stable manufacturing performance.
• Define, qualify, and release new cleaning chemistries, process recipes, and operating parameters.
• Lead qualification and acceptance activities for new cleaning equipment, upgrades, and process modifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including specifications, FMEAs, SOPs, work instructions, and control plans.
• Train and mentor technicians, operators, and junior engineers on cleaning processes, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.
• Participate in on-call support and rapid response activities for critical process or equipment excursions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, EHS, and cleanroom protocols

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a semiconductor cleanroom or wafer fab environment preferred
• Hands-on experience with at least one major fab process area (cleans, lithography, etch, deposition, CMP, diffusion, or metrology)
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing flows and cleanroom best practices
• Experience analyzing process performance using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and statistical analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot yield, defectivity, and equipment-related issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience developing and maintaining process documentation, work instructions, and operating procedures.
• Strong project management, organizational, and technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in photomask manufacturing, mask shop operations, or related advanced semiconductor fabrication.
• Knowledge of photomask cleaning technologies, including chemical cleaning, megasonic cleaning, UV/Ozone cleaning, plasma cleaning, and contamination removal techniques.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), FMEA, 8D, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Model-Based Problem Solving methodologies.
• Knowledge of factory automation systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and recipe management systems.
• Knowledge of yield enhancement and defect reduction methodologies
• Proficient in data analysis using tools such as JMP and Excel, with basic scripting or coding skills (VBA, JSL, Python, SQL).
• Experienced in tool qualification process.
• Experience with change management systems, engineering change control, and quality management processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects and mentoring technicians or junior engineers.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work extended periods in a cleanroom environment
• Willingness to wear full cleanroom gowning (bunny suit)
• Ability to work flexible hours or on-call support as needed for production schedules