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Dry Etch Process Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior/Principal Dry Etch Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

You will deliver Dry etch process and HW solutions to meet Micron's program requirements while driving dry etch technology roadmaps to continue enabling Micron's global leadership in semiconductor ...

NY · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Help develop, own and sustain the Dry Etch process design and related manufacturing processes in coordination with process development and manufacturing partners. You will ensure the process has high ...

NY · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Help develop, own and sustain the Dry Etch process design and related manufacturing processes in coordination with process development and manufacturing partners. You will ensure the process has high ...

Senior/Principal Dry Etch Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

You will deliver Dry etch process and HW solutions to meet Micron's program requirements while driving dry etch technology roadmaps to continue enabling Micron's global leadership in semiconductor ...

Your primary responsibility over the next 1-2 years will be leading the hiring of the process teams for the Dry Etch area, developing and managing the training plans for these new engineers, and ...

Your primary responsibility over the next 1-2 years will be leading the hiring of the process teams for the Dry Etch area, developing and managing the training plans for these new engineers, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Dry Etch Process information

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$13

$24

$35

How much do dry etch process jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for dry etch process in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dry etch process engineer?

A Dry Etch Process engineer is a specialist in semiconductor manufacturing who uses plasma or other gases to remove material from the surface of silicon wafers in a controlled manner, without using liquid chemicals. This process is crucial for defining microscopic features on chips and ensuring high precision in device fabrication. Dry etching allows for cleaner, more accurate pattern transfers compared to wet etching, which uses liquid solutions. Engineers in this field monitor and optimize process parameters to achieve the desired results while minimizing defects and maintaining yield.

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

Success as a Dry Etch Process Engineer requires a solid background in materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, and process engineering, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with plasma etching equipment, statistical process control (SPC) software, and cleanroom protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are critical to ensuring precise, efficient wafer fabrication and maintaining product quality in high-tech manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by dry etch process engineers, and how can new hires effectively address them?

Dry Etch Process Engineers often face challenges such as maintaining process uniformity, troubleshooting equipment issues, and optimizing recipes for yield and throughput. New hires can effectively address these challenges by developing a thorough understanding of process parameters, collaborating closely with equipment and integration engineers, and proactively participating in cross-functional problem-solving meetings. Ongoing training and hands-on experience with etch tools, as well as staying current with best practices, will also help new engineers quickly contribute to process improvements.

What is the difference between Dry Etch Process vs Wet Etch Process?

AspectDry Etch ProcessWet Etch Process
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of plasma physics and cleanroom protocolsRequires understanding of chemical handling and safety procedures
Work EnvironmentCleanroom with plasma and vacuum equipmentLaboratory or manufacturing setting with chemical baths
Industry UsageSemiconductor fabrication, microelectronicsMicrofabrication, MEMS, and some semiconductor processes
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for precision and selectivityCompared for cost and simplicity

Dry etch processes use plasma and gases to etch materials with high precision, suitable for complex patterns. Wet etch involves chemical solutions that remove material more simply but with less control. Both are essential in semiconductor manufacturing, but dry etch offers better anisotropy and control, while wet etch is faster and more cost-effective for certain applications.

Infographic showing various Dry Etch Process job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,319 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

DRY ETCH PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (Reader) (49918)

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Headway Technologies
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$96K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

JOB DETAILS

Job Location: Milipitas, CA 95035

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $96,656.00 - $142,000.00 Salary/year

Job Shift: Days

Title: DRY ETCH PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (Reader)

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Dry Etch Process Development, the Dry Etch Process Development Engineer (Reader) is responsible for the developing and implementing new RIE, IBD, and Ashing processes for next generation magnetic recording heads, including implementing new process control schemes which ensure product manufacturability; designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and presents findings; research, selects, and qualifies new tools which improve efficiency and yield. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Develops and implements new dry etch processes (RIE,IBE, and Ashing) for next generation magnetic recording heads
  • Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability
  • Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops recommendations for improving performance and yield while reducing scrap
  • Adheres to appropriate timeline for introducing new processes into the manufacturing line
  • Reviews characterization data from FIB, SEM, and TEM tools to conduct root cause analysis and recommend corrective action
  • Partners with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering to develop and deliver products and programs
  • Oversees the work of the Process Technicians to ensure accurate process execution and efficient wafer disposition
  • Partners with Equipment Engineering to research, select, and qualify new RIE tools
  • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience; Master’s degree preferred
  • Three years of experience working in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry as a Process Engineer
  • Experience in plasma etch process development (RIE, IBE, Ashing, etc.) is preferred
  • Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of semiconductor or HDD industry principles, practices, and techniques
  • Knowledge of wafer fabrication processing techniques, including process development and integration practices
  • Knowledge of plasma etch (RIE, IBE, ashing, etc.) principles, practices, and techniques
  • Knowledge of TEM, SEM, and FIB and ability to analyze data from these sources to determine root cause of failure
  • Knowledge and ability to use Excel, JMP, or other software applications such as VBA to analyze data, create reports, present findings, and recommend appropriate action
  • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create reports and presentations
  • Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
  • Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
  • Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
  • Flexible and able to prioritize
WORKING CONDITIONS

The Dry Etch Manufacturing Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to-building as needed. May also work in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer fab manufacturing facility; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time while in the wafer manufacturing facility; stands and walks; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.

Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

The annual base salary for this full-time position is between $96,656.00-$142,000.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual base pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.

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