CLAWS Lithography Engineer

About the role

The CLAWS Lithography Engineer will contribute to the ownership for NNF’s suite of lithography capabilities. The ideal candidate will have deep, hands-on experience in all lithographic processes, including contact lithography tools, stepper/projection lithography tools, automated wafer coat/develop stations, and e-beam/laser direct-write systems.

Responsibilities

• We are seeking a highly-skilled lithography engineer to join our team and contribute to the ownership for NNF’s suite of lithography capabilities.
• The ideal candidate will have deep, hands-on experience in all lithographic processes; including contact lithography tools, stepper/projection lithography tools, automated wafer coat/develop stations, and e-beam/laser direct-write systems.
• Process Research & Development Advanced Development: Lead the design and optimization of cutting-edge photolithography processes tailored for next-generation applications, specifically targeting wide-bandgap devices for RF, power electronics, and photonics.
• Techical Consultation: Provide expert-level process integration support to internal and external users, translating complex device requirements into repeatable lithographic workflows.
• Service Excellence: Execute high-precision service work for external customers, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous industry standards for semiconductor fabrication.
• Equipment Engineering & Maintenance Serve as the primary technical lead for lithography toolsets, ensuring maximum uptime and process stability through regular baseline monitoring.
• Maintenance & Repair: Independently perform scheduled preventative maintenance and diagnose/repair unscheduled hardware failures to minimize facility downtime.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with equipment manufacturers; coordinate complex service visits, manage service contracts, and oversee major tool overhauls.
• User Training & Technical Communication Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for students and researchers, certifying users on tool operation, chemical safety, and lithographic theory.
• Act as the central communication hub for the lithography area, providing timely updates to management and users regarding tool status, process drifts, or facility interruptions.
• Facility Operations & Compliance Actively participate in facility safety audits and uphold strict cleanroom protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.
• Maintain meticulous records including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance logs, user databases, and training certifications.
• Oversee the lithography supply chain, managing the inventory of specialized chemicals, resists, and critical spare parts to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering discipline, Five or more years of experience working as a lithography engineer in a university, government, or industry laboratory.
• Other Required Qualifications: Excellent hands-on skill with troubleshooting and repairing lab equipment, Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel, including students, Must be able to work independently as well as make positive team contributions, Familiarity with environmental health and safety protocols, Must be comfortable working safely with chemicals and compressed gases, Eligibility to obtain clearance upon request of the US government.
• Preferred Qualifications: M.S. or Ph.D. in Science or Engineering discipline, Ten years of experience working as a lithography engineer in a university, government, or industry laboratory, Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems, Experience with electron beam lithography, Two or more years working in an R1 University setting.