Senior Engineer I – Layout and Dicing Engineer (P&PD)

Senior Engineer I – Layout and Dicing Engineer (P&PD)
Contract : Full Time/Fixed Term

Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Head of Group, this role encompasses a number of strands linked through a common starting point of mask layout and design.  As an engineer in P&PD you would be responsible for mask layout and design supporting both research-driven and industry-specific design needs encompassing design file generation for our single beam systems – laser dicing, electron beam lithography and laser direct write lithography.  Additionally, you would be expected to operate the laser and wafer dicer tools using the design files you have created as well as other third party files if required.

This position demands an independent approach, leveraging your own expertise while fostering a collaborative learning environment for researchers, engineers, and technical staff. You will support and mentor less experienced team members and contribute to the ongoing development of more experienced personnel.
For the industry-focused aspect of the role, you will address the specific needs of customers in semiconductor device fabrication.

The position calls for a high level of motivation, combining technical proficiency with leadership responsibilities, and a proven track record of managing complex projects both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Mask Layout & Design
  • Create high-precision mask layouts to support both research-driven and industry-specific applications.
  • Generate design files compatible with single-beam systems, including electron beam lithography (EBL), laser direct-write lithography (LDWL), and laser dicing systems. 
  • Setup  Process Design Kits (PDK’s) and establish and program Design Rule Checks (DRC’s)
• Tool Operation & Processing
  • Independently operate advanced wafer processing tools including laser dicer and wafer dicer.
  • Execute fabrication processes using internally developed and third-party design files to ensure high-quality device output.
• Technical Project Execution
  • Manage and deliver complex projects from design through to tool operation and evaluation, ensuring alignment with research goals and commercial requirements.
  • Apply best practices in documentation, version control, and quality assurance during design and process development.
• Team Collaboration & Mentorship
  • Work closely with researchers, engineers, and technical staff to translate design requirements into fabrication-ready solutions.
  • Support, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior team members and contribute to peer development.
• Industry Engagement
  • Interface with industry partners to understand and address specific technical requirements related to semiconductor device fabrication.
  • Adapt mask design and fabrication strategies to meet varied customer needs and timelines.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to the optimisation of existing fabrication processes and the evaluation of new tools and design workflows.
  • Participate in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and design guidelines.
• Leadership & Initiative
  • Demonstrate self-driven initiative in solving complex technical challenges with minimal supervision.
  • Take ownership and lead projects while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Additional Duties:
  • Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
  • Ensure compliance with organisational Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
  • Perform other tasks as needed within the scope and responsibilities of the role to support both Tyndall’s research mission and industry-focused objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Extensive Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the development of mask designs and layout using commercial CAD layout tools such as Mentor Graphics, Cadence, KLayout
• Extensive knowledge of semiconductor fabrication technology: At least 10 years of experience in translating semiconductor device process flows into optimised mask design files.
• Expertise in the operation of wafer dicing tools and laser dicing tools: Demonstrated ability and hands on experience in using design files to control the operation of both laser dicing and mechanical wafer dicing tools.
• Technical Translation Proficiency: Proven ability to bridge customer needs and practical analytical solutions, excelling in technical translation to meet diverse, and complex demands.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication abilities for effective collaboration with research groups, internal teams and external customers.
• Process and Documentation Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conducting Risk Assessments, and creating detailed process documentation.

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with operating in a Quality Accredited environment
• Experience in training others in CAD design and IC layout.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Appointment may be made on the Admin I, Grade 6 Salary Scale €59,663 - €71,234 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

For any informal queries, please contact Niamh Waldron
Closing date for application is 1pm on 8th August 2025.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer