Senior Photolithography Process Engineer

Atomica; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Continuing education opportunities

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Account

Catered in-office lunches

Job summary

Atomica in Santa Barbara, CA, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for the Photolithography team to drive high-yield lithography solutions and tool integration. The role focuses on optimizing resist, exposure, and development steps with automation interfaces to MES systems.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in wafer lithography, hands-on experience with steppers and track systems, strong data analysis, and a MEMS/CMOS background.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on wafer lithography processing experience.
• Experience with Canon/Nikon Steppers and TEL tracks.
• Strong data analysis and critical thinking skills.
• Background in MEMS or CMOS development/manufacturing.
• Hands-on with photoresist, coats, and related processes.
• Ability to work in clean room and office environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor tool health and perform SPC/CPK improvements.
• Lead equipment selection, installation, qualification, and tool matching.
• Improve process robustness via characterization, DOE, and optimization.
• Standardize recipes, processes, and layers to reduce lead time and cost.
• Monitor manufacturing efficiency, output, and safety with data.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manage tool-related escalations.
• Mentor Technicians on quality control and manufacturing best practices.
• Analyze data and present findings during product development and production.

Skills

Wafer lithography

Data analysis

MEMS/CMOS background

Equipment troubleshooting

DOE/Statistical methods

Education

Engineering degree or higher

Tools

Canon/Nikon Steppers

TEL tracks

Job description

Summary

Atomica is a U.S.-based microfabrication foundry that builds advanced platforms for AI hardware, photonics, sensors, MEMS, and biotechnology devices. Atomica supports customers developing AI optical connectivity, AI optical source integration, photonic integration, thermal microstructures, physical AI sensors, MEMS optical control systems, and biotechnology microdevices with rapid prototyping and scalable production.

Summary

Atomica is a U.S.-based microfabrication foundry that builds advanced platforms for AI hardware, photonics, sensors, MEMS, and biotechnology devices. Atomica supports customers developing AI optical connectivity, AI optical source integration, photonic integration, thermal microstructures, physical AI sensors, MEMS optical control systems, and biotechnology microdevices with rapid prototyping and scalable production. Atomica is looking for a highly skilled, hands-on, and capable Senior Process Engineer to join our Photolithography team. This is a high-impact role within one of the most critical groups in the organization.The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing high-yield and robust photolithography solutions in the semiconductor, and or MEMS fields. This individual possesses hands-on experience optimizing semiconductor lithography tools: steppers, 1X contact aligners, photoresist (spin/spray coaters), developer and track systems, as well as integration with custom automation and MES systems. The candidate should have experience with optimizing equipment and processes with respect to photoresist application, exposure and developer conditions.

Objectives

• Tool health and predictive process management including daily SPC monitoring, Cpk improvement and troubleshooting process and tool issues
• New equipment/technology selection, installation, operational qualification, process qualification and tool matching.
• Improve process robustness through characterization, cornering and DOE’s.
• Collaborate broadly to standardize equipment recipes, processes, and layers (multi-step) to reduce complexity / cost and reduce development lead time and effort
• Monitor and improve the efficiency, output and safety of manufacturing processes through observations and measurements of data
• Ensure close interaction with equipment suppliers. Supplier management, own escalation and work together on resolution of tool issues.
• Mentor and coach Technicians to teach best practices for quality control and manufacturing
• Data analysis and presentation during product development and production support
• Implementing Lean Six Sigma mindset and processes

Capabilities

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or other engineering discipline
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience
• Hands-on experience in wafer lithography processing
• Experience with Canon/Nikon Steppers and TEL tracks
• Strong experience in data analysis and demonstrated critical thinking skills
• Background in MEMS or CMOS development or manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with thick and thin Negative and Positive resists, and bi-layer coats
• Solid understanding of the interaction between photolithography coats and other process modules (Etch, Liftoff, etc.)
• Ability to work in both a clean room environment and an office environment
• SPC and JMP experience

What Atomica Offers You

• Amazing growth and learning opportunities in MEMS
• Competitive Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plan with company match
• Continuing education opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Catered in-office lunches

Compensation

$110,000- $150,000

Why work with us?

Atomica is changing the world. Working at Atomica is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to impact groundbreaking technology while living in paradise. Your contributions to our MEMS technology will drive innovation, solve the great problems of our time and directly impact the lives of people across the globe.

Life In Santa Barbara

Want to live in paradise? Life in Santa Barbara is just that. Atomica is sandwiched between the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains and the pristine Central California coastline. Within 5-minutes from the office, you will find rich local culture, world class schools, airport for convenient travel, festivals, and excellent options to wine and dine. We have had employees move from all over the country and say life has never been better!