# Lead Engineer, Lithography

**Company:** [Rigetti Computing](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/rigetti-computing)
**Location:** Fremont, CA
**Role:** DevOps / SRE
**Salary:** $165k – $205k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Lithography, E-Beam Lithography, Resist Chemistry, Spc, Doe, Jmp, Track Systems, Projection Steppers, Contact Aligners, Maskless Aligners, Duv, Pec, Cleanroom, Quantum Fabrication, Mems
**Posted:** 2026-04-22

> Leads lithography process development for quantum qubit manufacturing, owning the wet process stack, optimizing beam-resist interactions, and driving roadmap from R&D to production. Requires PhD with 7+ years or MS with 10+ years in lithography, hands-on expertise in tools and statistical analysis.

## Job Description

## Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. with 7+ years or M.S. with 10+ years of direct experience in lithography process development and integration.
- Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven hands-on mastery of the full lithography "wet" stack, including CAR/non-CAR resist chemistry, reaction kinetics, CD control, and sub-micron overlay management.
- Strong expertise in SPC, DOE, GR&R, and root-cause analysis; proficiency with **JMP** or similar statistical software to build diagnostic frameworks from the ground up.
- Proven ability to professionalize processes in R&D or semi-manual environments, translating "tribal knowledge" into scalable SOPs, recipes, and technical specifications.
- Hands-on proficiency with track systems, projection steppers, contact aligners, and maskless aligners (MLA).
- Ability to build process frameworks and drive technical strategy rather than just executing within existing ones.
- Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize module-level goals, and mentor junior engineering staff while maintaining deep hands-on technical engagement.
- Comfortable working in cleanroom environments (HAZMAT and ESD protocols).

## Highly Desired Experience

- Experience partnering with E-beam hardware specialists to optimize the resist/process interface.
- Technical knowledge of proximity effect correction (PEC), dose strategy optimization, and multi-layer resist stacks.
- Expertise in managing charging and thermal stability challenges on non-standard or insulating substrates.
- Direct experience with **DUV** (KrF/ArF) or i-line projection lithography and the transition of processes to high-throughput production.
- Experience with ultrasonic spray-coating systems and lithography on high-topology or 3D surfaces.
- Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and sub-50nm alignment precision.
- Prior experience in Quantum, MEMS, or Photonics fabrication environments.

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