Job Description
Job Overview:
For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology — enabling the innovation behind smartphones, computers, automotive electronics, and countless other devices used every day. Our success is driven by advanced technology, strong customer partnerships, and most importantly, our people. Join Photronics and be part of a collaborative, high-tech manufacturing environment where learning, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement are core to everything we do.
For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology, powering the innovation behind smartphones, computers, TVs, and other devices people use every day. Our success is built on quality, collaboration, and the dedication of our people. Join us and be part of a company recognized worldwide for cutting-edge technology, exceptional service, and strong customer partnerships.
Position Summary: 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. This role is responsible for end-to-end quality assurance of photomasks and reticles used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing - from incoming defect inspection and classification, through precision repair using electron-beam (e-beam) etch techniques and atomic force microscope (AFM) nanomachining, to final printability verification and yield impact assessment. The IRP Engineer owns inspection, repair, and printability capability for assigned IRP toolsets, including long-term health, stability, and continuous improvement, and define and maintain process windows, control plans, and BKMs for IRP inspection and repair equipment, proactively identifying risks to capability or throughput.
The IRP Engineer works in a cleanroom environment and collaborates closely with process integration, equipment, and lithography engineering teams to sustain and improve photomask quality, cycle time, and overall fab yield. This position requires a deep understanding of photolithography processes, mask defect physics, and related fabrication tools and equipment, combined with precision hands-on repair skills and strong data analytics capabilities.
Location: Boise, ID (US). This is an on-site position, and we are not open to remote candidates at this time.
Responsibilities
Photomask & Reticle Inspection
- Perform incoming and in-process inspection of photomasks and reticles using optical inspection systems
- Classify defect types (intrusions, points defects, particles, phase errors) and assess severity and printability risk using scanning electron microscopy, and aerial image simulation tools
- Conduct reticle qualification, check node-specific specifications for defectivity and pattern fidelity requirements to determine ready for wafer exposure
Photomask Repair
- Develop, qualify and sustain photomask defect repair capabilities using e-beam etch, and/or AFM nanomachining repair platforms to address opaque and clear defect modes across chrome-on-glass, phase-shift and EUV mask types
- Characterizes repair process windows and recipe sensitivities as a function of defect geometry, height, transmission and local pattern context; optimize repair strategies to minimize collateral damage and printability risk
- Perform post-repair inspection and verification to confirm defect removal effectiveness, pattern fidelity, and repair repeatability, feeding results back into capability improvement
- Document and maintain repair learnings, qualified recipes, and known limitations to support consistent execution, training, and continuous improvement
Printability Verification
- Conduct printability analysis using AIMS (Aerial Image Measurement System) to measure wafer impact from reticle defects before and after repair
- Collaborate with photolithography and process engineers to determine disposition of defects: repair, use-as-is, or scrap
- Support mask qualification for new technology nodes and production processes, including review of critical dimension (CD) and overlay performance data
Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Use SPC, FMEA, and DOE outputs to make independent engineering decisions regarding process stability, defect disposition, and repair strategy
- Partner with process engineering on failure analysis investigations, implementing corrective actions to reduce defect density and mask cycle time
- Lead process changes from concept through qualification and production release, ensuring stakeholder alignment, risk mitigation, and documentation updates
Documentation & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Author and maintain standard operating procedures (SOP), work instructions, and qualification protocols for inspection, repair, and printability workflows
- Develop and deliver training materials and hands-on instruction for technicians and junior engineers on inspection, repair, and printability best-known methods
- Interface with photomask suppliers, OEM technical support teams, and internal process/integration engineers to resolve escalated quality issues
- Participate in cross-functional design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews, new product introductions (NPI), and technology transfer activities
Travel: Less than 5%
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- 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.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography, photomask engineering or photo repair roles, preferred. Relevant industry experience, considered.
Education
- 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.
Why Photronics
- Be part of a global technology leader driving innovation for the world’s biggest tech companies.
- Enjoy stability, challenge, and opportunity at a company with more than 50 years of proven success.
- Work in a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise will have a real impact.
- Competitive salary and annual bonus program.
- Equity compensation eligibility.
- Full suite of health and welfare benefits.
- 401k with company match.
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for team members’ disabilities and religious beliefs or practices.
Agency Notice: Photronics does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach from search firms or employment agencies. Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee regarding this opening. Resumes submitted outside of our approved agency engagement process will be considered the sole property of Photronics, and no fees will be paid if such candidates are hired. Only agencies with a valid agreement in place with Photronics and assigned to this role may submit candidates.
