Lithography Process Engineer

Job description

Lithography Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining photolithography processes used in optical and semiconductor wafer processes. This role involves working with advanced equipment and materials to ensure precise pattern transfer on different substrate material such as silicon, glass and fused silica wafer used in the fabrication of micro-optical components, wafer-level optics (WLO), and other photonic devices. This role is critical in bridging design and manufacturing, ensuring high-yield, high-precision patterning processes that meet stringent optical and dimensional specifications.

Job Responsibilities

1. Process Development and Optimization

• Design, develop, and optimize lithography processes including resist coating, exposure, bake, and development and other post processing steps.
• Conduct structured experiments (DOE) to improve resolution, overlay accuracy, resist profile, and process robustness.
• Develop and transfer lithography recipes across platforms (e.g., contact aligners, steppers, e-beam writers).
• Collaborate with optical design and simulation teams to translate design intent into manufacturable lithographic 2D and 2.5D patterns.
• Evaluate and implement new materials (resists, developers, etching chemicals) and process techniques to improve resolution, uniformity, resist profile and yield.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, equipment engineering, yield enhancement) to integrate new technologies and resolve process deviations.

1. Equipment and Tooling

• Own and maintain lithography equipment (e.g., mask aligners, wet benches, steppers, direct-write systems).
• Perform tool qualification, calibration, and troubleshooting to ensure process stability and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve process stability.

3.Metrology and Characterization

• Define and execute metrology plans using CD-SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry/filmetrics, and optical inspection tools.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, root causes of defects, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies.

4.Cross Functional Collaboration

• Interface with product design, packaging, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• Support technology transfer from R&D to production.
• Document process flows, work instructions, and technical reports.

5. Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all lithography operations comply with safety standards and cleanroom protocols.
• Maintain equipment and process documentation in accordance with ISO and internal quality systems.

6. Travel Requirement

• Overseas travel (approximately 23 trips per year, <20%) may be required to support equipment training, process transfer, tool qualification, and vendor collaboration
• Travel frequency may be higher during initial setup or major project phases and is expected to reduce once operations stabilize.
• Typical travel destinations include Malaysia, China, and Switzerland

Job Requirements

1. Qualification: Bachelor's, Master's, in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Optics, or related field.
2. Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in lithography process development, preferably in optics, MEMS, or semiconductor industries.Experience with wafer-level optics, grayscale lithography, or nanoimprint lithography is a strong plus.
3. Knowledge and Skills: Deep understanding of photolithography principles, photoresist chemistry, and process integration. Proficiency in using and maintaining lithography tools and metrology equipment and has Exposure to epoxy-based resist systems or wafer bonding processes. Deep experience and knowledge in Suss Lithography systems is strong preference. Familiarity with cleanroom practices and wafer handling protocols. Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
4. Professional Qualities: Strong teamwork spirit, sense of responsibility, results-oriented mindset, and practical work ethic.