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Chip Factory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Etched

Product Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

... factory, while also establishing the scalable quality processes needed to support high-volume production. Key Responsibilities * Lead quality assurance across semiconductor (ASIC/chip), PCB/A, L6 ...

Etched

Product Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

... factory, while also establishing the scalable quality processes needed to support high-volume production. Key Responsibilities * Lead quality assurance across semiconductor (ASIC/chip), PCB/A, L6 ...

The Consensus

Product Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

... factory, while also establishing the scalable quality processes needed to support high-volume production. Key Responsibilities * Lead quality assurance across semiconductor (ASIC/chip), PCB/A, L6 ...

KYOCERA AVX Greenville LLC

Quality Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

... Factories. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: * Understand manufacturing processes for various antenna (stamped metal, PCB, FPC, LDS, Ceramic Chip, Ceramic Patch, etc.) and how these processes can affect the ...

Lyte

Embedded Software Tools Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

... factory and field deployment. What you'll do * Design, develop, and maintain embedded software development and test tools used across the organization * Build tooling to support: * * Chip, SoC, and ...

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Chip Factory information

What is a chip factory?

A chip factory, also known as a semiconductor fabrication plant or 'fab,' is a specialized facility where semiconductor devices, such as microchips and integrated circuits, are manufactured. These factories use advanced equipment and processes to create tiny electronic components from silicon wafers, which are essential for computers, smartphones, automotive electronics, and many other devices. Chip factories require extremely clean environments, called cleanrooms, to prevent contamination during production. The manufacturing process is highly complex, involving multiple steps like photolithography, doping, and etching. Due to the precision and technology involved, building and operating a chip factory is a significant investment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chip factory worker?

To thrive as a Chip Factory Worker, you typically need a high school diploma, attention to detail, and basic math skills for handling manufacturing processes. Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication equipment, cleanroom protocols, and quality control systems is common, and some employers may require certifications in electronics or safety. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow precise instructions are crucial soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure efficient production, maintain high product quality, and uphold safety standards in the fast-paced chip manufacturing industry.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in a chip factory, and how can they be addressed?

Employees in a chip factory often encounter challenges such as maintaining cleanroom protocols, working with complex and sensitive machinery, and meeting production targets in a fast-paced environment. Adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards is crucial to prevent contamination of semiconductor products. Continuous training, clear communication, and teamwork help employees overcome these challenges and ensure efficient manufacturing processes. Support from supervisors and access to up-to-date equipment also play key roles in fostering a productive and safe work environment.

What is the difference between Chip Factory vs Chip Assembler?

AspectChip FactoryChip Assembler
Role FocusOversees manufacturing processes, manages equipment, and ensures quality control in chip production facilities.Assembles semiconductor components onto circuit boards, focusing on placement and soldering.
Required SkillsKnowledge of manufacturing equipment, quality standards, and safety protocols.Manual dexterity, attention to detail, and familiarity with assembly tools.
Work EnvironmentFactories with heavy machinery and production lines.Assembly lines or cleanroom environments.
Common CertificationsManufacturing or technical certifications, safety training.None specific, but technical training is beneficial.

The main difference between a Chip Factory worker and a Chip Assembler lies in their roles: the factory worker manages the manufacturing process and equipment, while the assembler focuses on putting together semiconductor components. Both roles are essential in the semiconductor industry but require different skill sets and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Chip Factory jobs in California?

For Chip Factory jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chip Factory jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chip Factory jobs in California are:

Chip Factory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chip Factory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

New Product Introduction Engineer - Thermal

Santa Clara, CA

NextHop AI
See more jobs at NextHop AIexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

NPI Engineer, Thermal

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Ladder: Hardware Design

Travel: Approximately 20%

Role Overview

At Nexthop AI, our thermal solutions are as complex as the silicon they cool. We are looking for a Hardware Product Engineer to act as the ultimate technical authority for our Direct-to-Chip (D2C) and rack-level cooling systems. This role sits within the Hardware Design Ladder and is responsible for the physical realization of our hardware-from the initial equipment selection at the factory to the final data sign-off before a product reaches the customer.



Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy, Selection & Buyoff

  • Critical Vendor Portfolio: Drive our thermal solutions vendor portfolio by auditing, assessing, qualifying, and ramping each vendor and their commodity. Use technical expertise to know when a second source is critical and drive the qualification of that second source.
  • Critical Equipment Roadmap: Research and determine and design the mandatory equipment list required to support NUDD (New, Unique, Different, Difficult) thermal designs (e.g., high-vacuum leak testers, precision TIM dispensers, robotic manifold assemblers).
  • Equipment Buyoff (FAT/SAT): Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). You own the "Buyoff" process, ensuring equipment meets precision, repeatability, and safety standards.

2. Thermal Data Authority

  • Thermal Validation Lead: Identify and establish the "North Star" metrics for D2C and rack-level integration. Define what we measure, how it's captured at the factory, and why it ensures long-term survival.
  • NPI Milestone Leadership: Lead technical reviews for EVT/DVT/PVT milestones, ensuring all thermal exit criteria are met and documented.

3. Thermal Realization and Manufacturing

  • Manufacturing and Quality Integration: Design thermal test vehicles, assembly fixtures, Thermal Interface Material (TIM) application processes and equipment, ensuring our contract manufacturers have the right equipment to gather the data you require.
  • D2C Interface Ownership: Lead the technical deployment of Direct-to-Chip cooling. You own the mechanical interface between the ASIC and the cold plate, ensuring the "physics of the contact" is repeatable across multiple PCBA projects.
  • L10/L11 System Integration: Define the technical requirements for integrating switch chassis into liquid-cooled racks, focusing on manifold reliability and blind-mate coupling integrity.
  • TIM Strategy: Define and validate Thermal Interface Material (TIM) application and compression standards to prevent pump-out and ensure decade-long thermal stability.
  • New Technologies: Evaluate and vet emerging cooling technologies-such as two-phase systems or advanced heat siphons-to determine technical and operational fit.

4. Reliability & Qualification Standards

  • Qualification Architecture: Design and execute long-term reliability plans for cold plates, heatsinks, and fans, including Accelerated Life Testing (ALT), thermal shock, and vibration profiles tailored for high-density AI environments.
  • Industry Standards: Ensure all thermal and hydraulic systems meet industry-leading reliability requirements (referencing relevant ASHRAE or ASTM protocols for liquid-cooled hardware).
  • Mechanical Integrity: Monitor and mitigate thermomechanical stress, ensuring mounting forces on high-cost ASICs remain within specification throughout the product lifecycle.


Required Qualifications

  • Experience: 8+ years in Hardware Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Thermal Reliability with a focus on NPI.
  • Equipment Expertise: Proven experience in determining, qualifying, and buying off high-precision manufacturing equipment for liquid-cooled or high-power electronics.
  • Technical Authority: Experience holding "Ship/No-Ship" authority in a high-stakes hardware environment.
  • Domain Knowledge: Expert understanding of Direct-to-Chip cooling (Cold plates, Manifolds, QDs) and the mechanics of Thermal Interface Materials.
  • Education: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Science, or a related field.


What Success Looks Like

  • Data-Driven Authority: You have established the "North Star" metrics (e.g., BLT, contact pressure, and flow rates) so clearly that every NPI milestone is cleared with indisputable data, ensuring zero units leave the factory with latent thermal defects.
  • Zero Thermal Degradation in the Field: Your TIM application strategies and mechanical interface standards have eliminated "TIM pump-out" and mounting force excursions, guaranteeing decade-long stability for high-cost switch ASICs.
  • A Robust, De-Risked Supply Chain: You have moved beyond single-source dependencies by technically qualifying and ramping a resilient portfolio of cold plate and 3DVC vendors that meet our exacting safety and performance standards.

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