Overlay Metrology Engineer

Introduction
At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.
Your role and responsibilities
Monitor and analyze overlay KPIs through daily performance readouts and weekly reports, identifying trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
Provide real‑time line support for overlay metrology operations, addressing spec violations, measurement failures, tool behavior issues, and recipe-related constraints.
Drive continuous improvement of overlay measurement robustness, precision, and stability across Image‑Based, SEM‑Based, and Diffraction‑Based overlay methodologies.
Design, develop, and optimize overlay marks and KERF structures, ensuring compatibility with advanced device architectures and enabling high‑quality measurements across multiple metrology platforms.
Create, refine, and maintain overlay measurement recipes, partnering closely with technicians to support complex or novel process layers.
Collaborate with process owners, device integration, and lithography teams to ensure metrology solutions meet technology roadmap requirements for next‑generation nodes.
Evaluate and qualify new tool capabilities through direct interactions with equipment vendors, defining areas of collaboration and driving joint improvement projects.
Perform detailed data analysis and communicate technical findings clearly to cross‑functional engineering teams through presentations and written reports.
Contribute to the development of automation, infrastructure upgrades, and workflow improvements that enhance overlay control and operational efficiency.
Required education
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred education
Doctorate Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
Hands‑on experience with KLA overlay metrology tools (2+ years)
Background in the microelectronics or semiconductor industry (4+ years)
Working knowledge of overlay infrastructure and associated software platforms (2+ years)
Experience in overlay mark design and KERF development for Image‑Based, SEM‑Based, or Diffraction‑Based overlay targets
Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline
Proficiency in data analysis, including preparing and presenting technical findings (2+ years)
Preferred technical and professional experience
Advanced experience with KLA overlay tools (4+ years)
Familiarity with run‑to‑run control or line control software (1+ year)
Extensive microelectronics/semiconductor industry experience (6+ years)
Expert-level knowledge of overlay infrastructure and software suites (4+ years)
Examples: 5DA, Ovalis, KT‑Analyzer, Metrology Target Designer (MTD)
Master’s or PhD in a science or engineering field

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT:

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS:

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
  We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
  This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
  IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
  The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.
  Job Title

Overlay Metrology Engineer:

Date posted
18-May-2026
Job ID
100802
City / Township / Village
Albany
State / Province
New York
Country
United States
Work arrangement
Onsite
Employment type
Regular
Contract type
Regular

Projected Minimum Salary per year:

129,000.00

Projected Maximum Salary per year:

222,000.00
Position type
Professional
Travel required
Some travel may be required based on business demand
Company
(0147) International Business Machines Corporation
Shift
General (daytime)
Is this role a commissionable/sales incentive based position?
No
Application Info
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