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Dry Etch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Dry Etch Process Engineer Salary Range: $100k to $130k Job Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

Dry Etch module development engineer

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$71.20 - $100.53/hr

This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely ...

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Dry Etch information

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How much do dry etch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for dry etch in the United States is $15.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dry etch engineer?

A Dry Etch engineer is a specialist in semiconductor manufacturing who operates and optimizes plasma-based etching processes to pattern materials on silicon wafers. They use gases and plasma in vacuum chambers to selectively remove thin layers of materials without using liquid chemicals, which is critical for creating intricate microchip features. Dry Etch engineers are responsible for process development, troubleshooting, and ensuring high-quality, repeatable etch results to support advanced chip designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dry etch engineer?

To thrive as a Dry Etch Engineer, you need a background in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes. Familiarity with dry etch tools (such as plasma etchers), cleanroom protocols, and process control systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills help ensure process optimization and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills are critical for maintaining high yield, ensuring device quality, and advancing semiconductor manufacturing efficiency.

What are the main challenges faced by dry etch engineers in a semiconductor fabrication environment?

Dry Etch engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining process stability and yield while working with complex device architectures and shrinking feature sizes. Precise control over plasma conditions and etch uniformity is essential, as small variations can significantly impact device performance. Collaborating closely with process integration, equipment engineering, and quality teams is crucial to troubleshoot issues and implement continuous improvements. Additionally, staying current with the latest equipment and process innovations is vital for adapting to rapidly changing technology demands.

What is the difference between Dry Etch vs Wet Etch?

AspectDry EtchWet Etch
Process TypePlasma or vapor phase etchingLiquid chemical etching
PrecisionHigh precision, anisotropicLess precise, isotropic
Work EnvironmentVacuum or controlled atmosphereOpen liquid baths
Common UsesSemiconductor fabrication, microfabricationPrinted circuit boards, MEMS

Dry Etch involves plasma or vapor processes for precise, anisotropic etching in semiconductor manufacturing, while Wet Etch uses liquid chemicals for broader, isotropic material removal. Dry Etch offers higher precision and is suited for microfabrication, whereas Wet Etch is typically used for larger-scale applications. Understanding these differences helps select the appropriate process for specific manufacturing needs.

Is dry etching expensive?

Dry etching is a specialized process used in semiconductor manufacturing, and it can be costly due to the need for advanced equipment, precise control, and cleanroom environments. The expenses are influenced by factors such as equipment maintenance, gas costs, and process complexity, making it a significant investment for fabrication facilities.

Why is dry etch better than wet etch?

In dry etch processes, used by technicians in semiconductor fabrication, dry etching offers higher precision and anisotropic profiles, enabling better control over feature dimensions compared to wet etching. Dry etching also produces cleaner, more uniform results and is suitable for complex, small-scale patterns, making it preferable for advanced device manufacturing.
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What cities are hiring for Dry Etch jobs?

Cities with the most Dry Etch job openings:

What states have the most Dry Etch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dry Etch jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dry Etch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,227 per year, or $15 per hour.

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Prosum
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$100K - $130K/yr

Other

This job post hasย expired 5 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Salary Range: $100k to $130k

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. This position will focus on sustaining existing processes, developing new process capabilities, improving yield and quality, and supporting the transition of new technologies into production. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver with strong technical expertise in semiconductor process engineering.

Key Responsibilities

  • Sustain, monitor, and optimize dry etch processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, throughput, quality, and overall process performance.
  • Troubleshoot process-related issues and drive root cause analysis to resolve yield and reliability concerns.
  • Support the transfer of new process technologies from development into volume manufacturing.
  • Characterize, qualify, and validate new process equipment, upgrades, and process changes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Integration, Equipment Engineering, and Quality to meet production and reliability objectives.
  • Analyze process data and implement continuous improvement initiatives using statistical methods.
  • Benchmark process performance and share best practices across engineering teams.
  • Ensure processes meet qualification, quality, and reliability requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or science discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years of dry etch process engineering experience in a semiconductor manufacturing environment (2+ years with an advanced degree may be considered).
  • Strong understanding of dry etch process fundamentals, equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing principles.
  • Experience troubleshooting process issues and driving continuous process improvements.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process characterization.
  • Proficiency with JMP or similar statistical analysis software.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. in a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Experience with poly etch and/or metal etch processes.
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor etch equipment such as LAM 2300, LAM 9600, and/or Applied Materials DPS systems.
  • Knowledge of PROMIS WIP management systems.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.
  • Six Sigma certification is a plus.