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OPC / DFM Principal Engineer

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc.
Bloomington, MN Full Time
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world. 
 
Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
 
Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds. 
 
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

SkyWater is hiring an OPC / DFM Principal Engineer for our HQ site in Bloomington, MN. 

 

This position will lead the effort of cross-functional teams in establishing methodology and implementation of improved design methods, focusing on Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) techniques and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).  This candidate will be a major technical contributor to “spec-to-shelf” ASIC development projects, including Process Design Kit (PDK) and mask/reticle development and fan-out.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Development of a comprehensive strategy for implementing DFM and OPC at 130, 90 and 65 nm platforms, with eventual extension to 45 nm and below.
  • Implementation of the DFM/OPC strategy through successful Physical Verification (PV) methods using state-of-the-art PV methods, for example using Mentor Calibre tools.
  • Development of the OPC models required to enable correct their correct application, and subsequent fab processing of sub-wavelength features at both 248nm and 193nm lithography nodes.
  • Provide technical support for customers using SkyWater PDK’s, as needed, to ensure successful designs using OPC and DFM methods through product mask generation and tapeout steps.
  • Work closely with design, layout, and process engineers to understand and incorporate technology requirements into the OPC models and PDKs.

Required Qualifications:

  • 10 years experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5 years of experience with PhD

  • 5 years of experience in development and implementation of model-based OPC methods at a semiconductor foundry.
  • Hands-on, familiarity with the required Physical Verification tools used for mask/reticle generation and manipulation of the OPC.  
  • Ability to write/debug programs and properly generate OPC on multiple technology platforms.
  • Experience in OPC generation for 130, 90, 65, 45 nm platforms.
  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
  • US Citizenship Required: This position will require the holding of or ability to obtain government security clearance which requires U.S Citizenship.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Calibre-based PV flow experience is preferred.
  • Experience with DFM methods and their use in Design Flow is a plus.
  • Customer facing experience a plus.

The annual salary range for this role is $131,840 - $197,760.  Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.  
 
SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate. 

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market. 

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com. 

EOE, including disability/vets

 

Salary : $131,840 - $197,760

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