Principal Materials & Process Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-09-22 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Collins Aerospace is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Materials & Process Engineer to provide technical leadership for wafer fabrication processes focused on photolithography, resist processing, and critical patterning technologies. Operating in a fast‑paced semiconductor manufacturing environment, this role is responsible for driving innovation in materials characterization, photolithography process control, and equipment capability improvements that enhance yield, quality, and throughput. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are driven to deliver operational excellence, we invite you to apply and join our team. This is an onsite role in Cedar Rapids, IA and is eligible for relocation. What You Will Do Provide technical leadership for photolithography processes Establish and maintain critical process parameters, equipment calibration methods, SPC limits, acceptance criteria, and advanced monitoring strategies for lithography systems. Support troubleshooting of issues involving CD variation, resist adhesion, profile defects, contamination, overlay accuracy, pattern collapse, and environmental sensitivities. Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Design to investigate nonconformances, yield excursions, and process variation using structured root‑cause analysis and corrective actions. Develop, optimize, qualify, and standardize photolithography and wafer process flows to improve yield, cycle time, equipment utilization, and cost. Lead continuous improvement initiatives targeting defect reduction, overlay accuracy, CD uniformity, and reduction of rework and process variability. Develop and maintain photolithography specifications, work instructions, process controls, and best‑practice guidelines. Support qualification and integration of new photoresists, mask sets, exposure tools, metrology systems, and wafer materials. Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for lithography‑related yield losses and production issues. Support new product introduction, process validation, PFMEA, control plans, mask review, and production readiness. Ensure all processes comply with customer, regulatory, environmental, safety, and industry requirements Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience Experience supporting lithography processes Qualifications We Prefer Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Microelectronics, or a related field Direct experience with semiconductor photolithography processes: resist material, mask alignment, exposure, developing, and metrology. Experience with wafer-level chemical processes and surface preparation Hands-on experience with lithography materials characterization (SEM, CD‑SEM, optical microscopy, overlay metrology, particle analysis). Practical experience troubleshooting lithography defects and process excursions.Experience in a semiconductor, microelectronics, MEMS, or other highly regulated manufacturing environment. Familiarity with industry process control and quality systems Experience supporting low- to high-volume or high‑mix production environments. Understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related process improvement methodologies. Experience with DOE, SPC, statistical analysis, or advanced process‑control strategies. What We Offer: Some of our competitive benefits package includes:  Medical, dental, and vision insurance Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option Tuition reimbursement program Student Loan Repayment Program Life insurance and disability coverage Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning Adoption Assistance          Autism Benefit Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits Bright Horizons, child and elder care services Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program And more!  Learn More & Apply Now! ​ The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products fro