Contamination Control Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced engineer with a strong foundation in chemistry to lead contamination control and manufacturing process development for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) laser systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and advance contamination control strategies for DUV laser manufacturing

• Analyze and mitigate photochemical and surface-driven degradation mechanisms affecting optics, coatings, crystals, and surrounding materials

• Evaluate and select materials, including polymers, metals, adhesives, coatings, solvents, and cleaning agents for compatibility with deep-UV exposure

• Develop and qualify cleaning, passivation, and handling processes based on chemical and surface-science principles

• Lead root-cause analysis of DUV-induced failures and contamination-related issues

• Model and experimentally validate contamination transport, adsorption/desorption, and photo-induced reactions in DUV environments

• Collaborate closely with R&D teams to translate laboratory-scale DUV solutions into robust manufacturing processes

• Define contamination-control specifications, cleanliness requirements, and acceptance criteria

• Support supplier qualification, engagement, and audits related to chemical cleanliness and material compatibility

• Mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject-matter expert in DUV contamination control and chemistry

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

• Deep understanding of photochemistry, surface chemistry, and molecular contamination under deep-UV irradiation

• Proven experience identifying and resolving contamination-driven performance or lifetime limitations in optical or laser systems

• Strong knowledge of organic and inorganic contamination sources, outgassing, adsorption/desorption, and UV-induced chemical reactions

• Familiarity with cleaning processes, contamination-control methods, and handling procedures for optical and laser components

• Hands-on experience with DUV systems operating at 266 nm or shorter wavelengths in manufacturing, process engineering, or applied research environments

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to connect chemical mechanisms to system-level behavior

• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

• Experience with surface-analysis and contamination-diagnostics tools

• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies and statistical analysis software

• Background in reliability engineering for DUV optical systems preferred

• Experience defining cleanliness standards for high-energy UV or photolithography-related applications preferred