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Dry Etch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dry Etch Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$88K

$140.1K

How much do dry etch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for dry etch engineer in California is $88,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dry etch engineer?

A Dry Etch Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting dry etching processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They work with plasma-based etching techniques to precisely remove material from wafers while ensuring high precision and yield. Their role involves process characterization, tool maintenance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to improve production efficiency. Dry Etch Engineers also analyze data, conduct experiments, and implement process improvements to meet stringent device fabrication requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a dry etch engineer?

As a Dry Etch Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include developing and optimizing dry etching processes, monitoring equipment performance, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. You will work hands-on in cleanroom environments, interact closely with process technicians and other engineers, and analyze data to ensure process stability and yield improvements. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as integration and equipment groups, is common to address technical challenges and support the overall manufacturing goals. You may also be involved in documenting process changes, conducting experiments, and participating in regular meetings to drive process enhancement initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the dry etch engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dry Etch Engineer, you need a solid background in semiconductor processing, materials science, and relevant engineering disciplines, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with plasma etch tools, process characterization techniques, and data analysis software such as JMP or MATLAB is crucial, as well as knowledge of cleanroom protocols. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively within cross-functional teams are highly valued. These skills ensure the development and optimization of etching processes needed for fabricating high-quality semiconductor devices in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dry Etch Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Dry Etch Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Dry Etch Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,015 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Prosum Inc.

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Dry Etch Process EngineerSalary 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.

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