Engineer - Photolithography

Location: Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Onsite work in cleanroom and laboratory environments; no travel.

Company

hirify.global develops data storage devices and recording-head technologies through a global advanced transducer R&D organization.

What you will do

• Develop novel, robust, and manufacturable lithography processes for critical shapes and dimensions in advanced head devices.
• Use next-generation scanners and patterning materials to meet design requirements.
• Maintain wafer-process stability through statistical process control, data analysis, and root-cause investigations.
• Resolve wafer-processing and development-flow issues to reduce cycle time and scrap.
• Collaborate with design, R&D, product wafer, equipment suppliers, and research partners to integrate and advance lithography modules.
• Manage experiments, projects, wafer tracking, technology transfers, and intellectual-property contributions including invention disclosures, patents, trade secrets, journal articles, and white papers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Optical Engineering, Applied Optics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related science or engineering field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on lithography or wafer-process development experience in an R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of optical imaging, photoresist formulation and chemistry, mask design, dosing, and pattern formation.
• Expertise in lithography characterization techniques such as inspection, ellipsometry, profilometry, and SEM.
• Experience operating and/or maintaining coat/develop tools, steppers, scanners, aligners, strippers, or similar lithography equipment.
• Knowledge of statistical experimentation methods including hypothesis testing, DOE design and analysis, and ANOVA.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate with diverse global engineers and technicians, manage multiple priorities, document results, and present findings clearly.
• Full right-to-work documentation for the United Kingdom is required for candidates holding a BSc or MSc; PhD holders may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Modeling or simulation of resist behavior and pattern formation.
• Familiarity with JMP or R.
• Evidence of innovation through journals, patents, university projects, conferences, or related outside sources.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible and inclusive workplace with employee resource groups and community activities.
• Subsidized onsite cafe, onsite gym, exercise classes, and personal trainer access.
• Private healthcare, company sick pay, medical leave, occupational healthcare, employee assistance, and group income protection.
• Annual leave, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, bereavement leave, and pension contributions.
• Life assurance, employee stock purchase plan, bonus scheme, recognition programs, and workplace discounts.
• Training and development opportunities, degree and non-degree assistance, LinkedIn Learning, and learning programs.

Hiring process

• Applications must demonstrate how the candidate meets the stated role criteria.
• Applications are due by midnight on 18 November 2026; enhanced criteria may be applied for shortlisting.