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Cmp Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA

$89K - $127K/yr

... of at least one among these process techniques: sputtering, CVD, ALD, CMP, wet/dry etch ... Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager. * May have direct reports. Travel: * Up to ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/yr

... of at least one among these process techniques: sputtering, CVD, ALD, CMP, wet/dry etch ... Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager. * May have direct reports. Travel: * Up to ...

Teledyne

Yield and Integration Engineer

Goleta, CA

$113K - $151K/yr

Programming skills in: Python, Matlab, R, JMP, or similar * SQL database query experience ... Wafer processing (photo, etch, dep, clean, CMP, inspection, etc.) * Vacuum technology and equipment

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Cmp Process Engineer information

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$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do cmp process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for cmp process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are CMP Process Engineers?

CMP Process Engineers are professionals who specialize in the Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) process used in semiconductor manufacturing. Their main responsibilities include developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting CMP processes to achieve desired wafer surface quality and uniformity. They work with cross-functional teams to improve yield, reduce defects, and ensure equipment operates efficiently. CMP Process Engineers also analyze data, implement process controls, and may support equipment installation and maintenance. Their expertise is crucial for producing integrated circuits with precise layer thickness and planarity.

What are some common challenges faced by CMP Process Engineers in semiconductor manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

CMP Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uniformity across wafers, minimizing defect rates, and optimizing process parameters for new materials or device architectures. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with equipment engineers, process integration teams, and quality control specialists to fine-tune slurry chemistry, pad conditioning, and process recipes. Proactive troubleshooting, thorough data analysis, and staying updated with the latest industry advancements can help CMP Process Engineers continuously improve yield and device performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CMP Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CMP Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, often with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with process control systems, statistical analysis software, and semiconductor fabrication tools like metrology equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you address process challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure efficient yield improvement, process optimization, and successful integration of CMP technology in semiconductor manufacturing.

What is the difference between Cmp Process Engineer vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectCmp Process EngineerSemiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Materials, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical, Chemical, or Materials Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, manufacturing plant, R&D labsCleanroom, fabrication facilities, R&D labs
Industry UsageSemiconductor manufacturing, integrated circuit fabricationSemiconductor industry, chip manufacturing, wafer processing
Job FocusChemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) processes, polishing techniquesOverall semiconductor fabrication processes, including CMP

The Cmp Process Engineer specializes in chemical-mechanical planarization techniques used in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on polishing and surface finishing. In contrast, the Semiconductor Process Engineer oversees broader fabrication processes, including CMP, etching, and deposition. Both roles require similar technical skills and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ within the semiconductor industry.

What are popular job titles related to Cmp Process Engineer jobs in California? For Cmp Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cmp Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cmp Process Engineer jobs in California are:
Cmp Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cmp Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Process Engineering Manager

Halo Industries, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Company

Halo Industries has developed breakthrough technology to revolutionize a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based solution minimizes waste, enhances material cost efficiency, and drives innovations across high-growth markets, including automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo received significant funding in 2024, paving the way for rapid expansion, strategic customer engagement, and the launch of volume manufacturing.

The Opportunity

As the Process Engineering Manager at Halo Industries, you will stand at the center of a manufacturing revolution. We aren’t just making wafers; we are fundamentally redefining silicon carbide wafering to power the future of electric vehicles, renewable energy, data centers, and more.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead our process engineering team through its most critical evolution: transitioning from a high-potential pilot line to a world-class, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) facility. This is a "builder" role designed for a leader who thrives on the intersection of novel laser processing and rigorous operational discipline. You will be responsible for taking our proprietary laser-based slicing technology and stabilizing it for 24/7 volume production with industry leading yield, throughput, and cost-efficiency.

Why this role matters:

  • Scale the Future: You will bridge the gap between R&D innovation and manufacturing excellence, turning complex laser-material interactions into a repeatable, automated production engine.
  • Drive the Bottom Line: Success is measured by metrics that matter—dramatically reducing rework, maximizing yield, and lowering the total cost of ownership for SiC substrates.
  • Lead a Culture of Excellence: You will mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, instilling a data-driven culture rooted in Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Lean principles.

If you are a semiconductor veteran who is tired of incremental improvements and wants to lead a generational shift in manufacturing within a fast paced startup, this is your opportunity to leave a legacy.

Requirements

Education & Experience

  • BS/MS in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
  • HVM Leadership: 10+ years in semiconductor manufacturing, with 3+ years managing engineering teams through a significant production scale-up (Pilot to HVM).
  • SiC/Compound Semi Background: Direct experience with Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Nitride (GaN), or related device manufacturing is highly desired due to its unique material challenges optimizing process capability.

Technical Domain Expertise

  • Precision Manufacturing: Expert knowledge of wafering processes, specifically laser slicing/dicing, grinding, polishing (CMP), and advanced metrology used in the SiC and semiconductor industry.
  • Yield & Defect Analysis: Proficiency to lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to solve complex process capability, rework, and yield limiters.
  • Operational Systems: Experienced in leveraging commercial MES, ERP, and automation systems to optimize the value of our data through action in a 24/7 production environment.
  • Quality Standards: Familiarity with IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 standards, specifically for power electronics or automotive supply chains.

Leadership & Strategic Mindset

  • Change Management: Demonstrated capacity to transition a team’s mindset from "R&D Feasibility" to "Process Control & Stability."
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Skilled at collaborating with R&D, Applications Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Planning to drive strategic decisions to closure.
  • Data-Driven Communication: Proven competence to distill complex technical data into concise executive summaries and recommendations for improved process capability, increased capacity, reducing cost, and long term strategic global planning.

Benefits

    • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
    • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
    • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
    • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
    • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
    • Stock Option Plan
    • Short Term & Long Term Disability
    • Base salary $160,000 - $180,000