Applications Engineer I

We are hiring an Application Engineer who evaluates and supports digital integrated-circuit processing and MES requirements for mask manufacturing. They analyze software solutions to define data-operation workflows and work with vendors and internal teams to develop capabilities that meet process needs. They also partner with customers to ensure robust, effective solutions.

Location: Allen, Texas (US). This is an on-site position, and we are not open to remote candidates currently.

Shift: Tuesday - Saturday: 3:00pm - 12:00am 

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to photomask data operations to improve efficiency and capability of established workflows for standard products.

• Prepare and optimize mask data using tools such as Synopsys CATS and NCS NDE, converting layout files (GDSII/OASIS) into fractured and production-ready mask data for standard product manufacturing. This may include conversion between data formats as well as data digitization.

• Generate job decks for reticle layout and support MES system and metrology activities for standard products.

• Conduct layout verification utilizing tools like defined Mask Rule Checks (MRC) and Mask Proximity Correction (MPC) to ensure compliance with customer and manufacturing specifications. May provide documentation and training in support of these activities.

• Resolve layout, data, or specification issues for standard products. Recommend and implement approved workflow and documentation enhancements to improve data quality and consistency.

• Support automation initiatives and implementation to streamline the data preparation process.

• Support new tools and methodology evaluations and adoption of new technologies for data operations.

• Create and maintain technical documentation adhering to standard practices.

• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers, offering capable guidance and ensuring successful product delivery.

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Travel:

• Less than 5% onsite support as needed for regional customer and operational initiatives.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Attributes)

• Experience successfully managing complex projects and meeting deadlines under tight timeframes.

• Clear and effective communicator with the ability to engage both technical teams and external customers. Motivated self-starter with a collaborative mindset.

• Strong Unix environment experience and ability to work at one of our sites. If in the US, ability to obtain government clearance.

Experience

• 0–2 years of experience in photomask data preparation, IC layout/data engineering, or related fields.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent work experience will also be considered.

Why Photronics

• Be part of a global technology leader driving innovation for the world’s biggest tech companies.

• Work in a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your expertise will have a real impact.

• Develop your leadership skills by mentoring and guiding a talented accounting team.

• Enjoy stability, challenge, and opportunity at a company with more than 50 years of proven success.

• Competitive salary and annual bonus program.

• Equity compensation eligibility.

• Full suite of health and welfare benefits.

• 401(k) 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.