Manufacturing Process Engineer, IRP

PHOTRONICS INC•Boise, ID

20h•Onsite

About The Position

As the IRP (Inspection, Repair, and Printability) Repair Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the quality and performance of photomasks used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This position spans defect inspection, precision repair (e-beam and AFM), and final printability validation to drive yield and product performance. You will own process capability for IRP toolsets, establishing process windows, control plans, and best-known methods while driving continuous improvement in quality, throughput, and stability. Working in a cleanroom environment, you’ll collaborate cross-functionally with process, equipment, and lithography teams to solve complex problems and optimize outcomes. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in photolithography and defect physics, hands-on technical expertise, and a data-driven approach to problem solving.

Requirements

Experience with photomask, reticle, or semiconductor inspection/repair processes, or similar precision manufacturing environments; understanding of defect types and quality impact is preferred.
Working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing or photolithography processes (e.g., track, exposure, or related systems) or equivalent experience in microfabrication or advanced manufacturing.
Strong technical documentation skills with the ability to create clear procedures, reports, and work instructions.
Ability to analyze process performance and trends using data; familiarity with SPC or similar methodologies is a plus.
Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Minitab, or similar) to support problem solving and process improvement.
Familiarity with cleanroom environments or other highly controlled manufacturing settings.
Flexibility to support manufacturing operations as needed, including off-hours or weekend coverage.
2+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography, photomask engineering or photo repair roles, preferred. Relevant industry experience, considered.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Optics, or related field
A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of defect types and quality impact is preferred.
Familiarity with SPC or similar methodologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform incoming and in-process inspection of photomasks and reticles using advanced optical and e-beam inspection systems; classify defects and assess printability risk using SEM and aerial image simulation tools.
Evaluate reticles against node-specific defectivity and pattern fidelity requirements to determine readiness for wafer exposure.
Develop, qualify, and sustain photomask repair processes using e-beam and AFM technologies across multiple mask types, optimizing strategies to minimize risk and maximize yield.
Define and refine repair process windows, validate outcomes through post-repair inspection, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven feedback loops.
Conduct printability analysis using AIMS to assess wafer impact of defects pre- and post-repair; partner with engineering teams to determine appropriate disposition (repair, use-as-is, or scrap).
Support mask qualification for new technologies, including evaluation of critical dimension (CD) and overlay performance.
Apply SPC, DOE, and FMEA methodologies to monitor process performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive improvements in defect density, cycle time, and overall capability.
Lead process improvements from concept through qualification and production release, ensuring alignment, risk mitigation, and proper documentation.
Write and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and training materials; provide hands-on guidance to technicians and junior engineers.
Collaborate cross-functionally with process, lithography, equipment, and external partners to resolve complex technical challenges and support new product introductions.
Additional responsibilities as assigned