Applications Engineer Lead in Manchester

For more than 50 years, Photronics has been a global leader in photomask technology—powering the innovation behind smartphones, computers, automotive technology, and countless devices used every day. Our success is built on quality, collaboration, and the dedication of our people. Join us and be part of a company recognized for cutting‑edge technology, exceptional service, and strong customer partnerships.

We are seeking an experienced Applications Engineer Lead to evaluate and support 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: This is an on‑site position based in Manchester, England or Bridgend, Wales.

Travel: Less than 10% travel for on‑site support as needed for regional and international customer and operational initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Define the technical direction of photomask data preparation workflows and standards by partnering with leadership to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and capability expansion across the regional data engineering organization.
• Prepare and optimize complex and advanced mask data using tools such as Synopsys CATS and NCS NDE, converting layout files (GDSII/OASIS) into fractured and production ready mask data for manufacturing.
• Generate complex and advanced job decks, manage reticle layout and frame placement, and support metrology activities.
• Conduct complex layout verification utilizing tools like Mask Rule Checks (MRC) and Mask Proximity Correction (MPC) to ensure manufacturability and design integrity.
• Establish advanced MRC and MPC requirements and implementation methods in coordination with other sites, vendors or customers.
• Spearhead root cause analysis and resolution of complex layout or data issues, working cross‑functionally with manufacturing, design, and customer teams.
• Partner with corporate resources to support design and drive implementation of advanced automation solutions to improve scalability and reduce turnaround times regionally.
• Lead evaluations of data operation’s new tools and methodologies, making both strategic recommendations for adoption and champion implementation regionally.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, defining best practices to reflect new products and technologies introductions regionally.
• Act as a lead technical liaison for key customers, translating requirements into actionable plans, and driving successful implementation.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional project management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Clear and effective communicator with the ability to engage both technical teams and executive‑level stakeholders.
• Motivated self‑starter with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong Unix environment experience and the ability to work on‑site at one of our UK locations.

Experience:

• Significant experience in photomask data preparation, IC layout/data engineering, or related semiconductor design disciplines.
• Expert knowledge of GDSII/OASIS formats, data hierarchies, and semiconductor layout principles.
• Proven success in leading complex technical initiatives and influencing engineering direction.

Education:

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

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• Career development and training opportunities
• Collaborative, inclusive workplace culture

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.