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Wafer Photolithography Process Development Technician - Day Shift (Monday-Friday)

External
Westerndigital logoWesterndigital · Fremont, CA
Full-timeOn-site1mo ago
Data AnalysisDocumentationExcelProcess ImprovementRoutingSEM
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About the role

The Wafer Photolithography Process Development Technician will support HAMR Photolithography Process Development. This role ensures high‑quality wafer processing through precise execution of lithography steps, equipment troubleshooting, and strict adherence to cleanroom protocols. The technician works closely with development engineering, process, and maintenance teams to develop photo process for advanced HAMR products. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Operate photolithography tools such as coaters, developers, aligners, and steppers/scanners in a Class 1-100 cleanroom environment. Perform wafer coating, soft bake, alignment, exposure, post‑exposure bake, and development steps according to process specifications and engineering instructions. Inspect wafers using microscopes and metrology tools (e.g., CD‑SEM, profilometers, ellipsometers) to verify pattern quality and critical dimensions. Monitor equipment performance, identify abnormalities, and escalate issues to engineering or maintenance teams. Follow detailed standard operating procedures and maintain accurate production logs and documentation. Handle photoresists, developers, solvents, and other chemicals safely while following all EHS protocols. Support process improvement initiatives by providing data, observations, and feedback to engineers. Maintain cleanroom discipline, including gowning, contamination control, and proper material handling. Assist with root‑cause analysis for yield excursions or equipment faults. Track and manage wafer lot identification, routing, and inventory throughout the photolithography process flow. Participate in process characterization activities and design of experiments (DOE) to support process development and optimization. Support equipment qualification and validation activities, including baseline data collection and performance verification. Collaborate with process engineers and cross‑functional teams to troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions. Maintain detailed equipment logs, including tool performance metrics, maintenance records, and process parameter documentation. Required High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate or associate degree in chemistry, electronics, manufacturing, or related field preferred. Experience working in a wafer fab, cleanroom, or other high‑precision manufacturing environment. Familiarity with photolithography processes, including resist coating, alignment, exposure, and development. Ability to read and follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation. Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy. Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, or chemical systems. Comfortable working with chemicals and wearing full cleanroom PPE for extended periods. Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, nights, weekends, or rotating schedules as required. Preferred Hands‑on experience with tools from ASML, Nikon, Canon, TEL, SUSS, or similar equipment vendors. Knowledge of photoresists, developers, and lithography chemistry. Experience with metrology tools such as CD‑SEM, AFM, or optical inspection systems. Basic data analysis skills (Excel, SPC charts, yield tracking). Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to identify process or equipment deviations. Prior experience in high‑volume manufacturing (HVM) or advanced node lithography Salary Range: $81,000.00-108,000.00 WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person's gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person's assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the " Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal " poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here . WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We


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