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Dry Etch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Micron

Senior Dry Etch Equipment Engineer

Boise, ID

$99K - $136K/yr

As a Senior Dry Etch Equipment Engineer , with a strong focus on safety and quality, you will play a meaningful role in improving our manufacturing processes by focusing on the installation ...

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How much do dry etch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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, and why are they important?

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.

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Sr Dry Etch Equipment Engineer

Sr Dry Etch Equipment Engineer

Micron Technology

Manassas, VA • On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Micron Technology rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
Summary
The Sr. Dry Etch Equipment Engineer is responsible for driving equipment reliability, long-term corrective actions, and performance optimization of Dry Etch toolsets in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. This role leads systematic troubleshooting, eliminates chronic failures, improves tool health, and partners closely with Production, Process Engineering, and suppliers to support yield, cycle time, and cost-reduction goals. The engineer provides technical leadership, drives continuous improvement, and ensures the Dry Etch area operates with high stability, quality, and efficiency.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead systematic, root-cause-driven troubleshooting to eliminate chronic failures and improve overall Dry Etch equipment reliability.
  • Analyze tool data, identify trends and reliability risks, and implement long-term corrective actions that reduce unscheduled downtime.
  • Manage tool recovery strategies, provide accurate ETAs, and partner with Production to minimize operational impact while maintaining long-term stability.
  • Own spare parts strategy, BOM accuracy, consumable health, and cost-reduction efforts related to repairs and equipment performance.
  • Drive yield and scrap-reduction initiatives by resolving equipment-related contributors to alarms, variability, chamber matching issues, and defect excursions.
  • Lead Continuous Improvement Projects (CIPs) focused on equipment availability, throughput, and cycle-time reduction; remove equipment constraints through structured improvements.
  • Support new tool startups and process conversions by ensuring equipment readiness, sustainable performance, and alignment with process owners.
  • Provide technical mentorship to technicians and junior engineers on best-in-class maintenance practices, failure analysis, and equipment reliability methods.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Engineering degree or equivalent technical experience with strong analytical, data-driven problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues using structured methodologies (SPC, FMEA, 5-Whys, 8D, fault isolation).
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Dry Etch equipment engineering, including chamber matching, reliability improvement, and tool stability programs.
  • Experience driving yield, scrap, and defect-reduction efforts in semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Background supporting tool conversions, new technology introductions, or equipment startup and qualification.

As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn about your right to work click here.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron's People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.

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