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Electroplating Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician I/II

Yucaipa, CA

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

Our focus is delivering value through innovation by using our expertise in precision screw machining, electroplating, value engineering, and contact assembly. We are AS9100D / ISO9001:2008 registered ...

Machine Technician I/II

Yucaipa, CA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Our focus is delivering value through innovation by using our expertise in precision screw machining, electroplating, value engineering, and contact assembly. We are AS9100D / ISO9001:2008 registered ...

Showing results 41-60

Electroplating Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$89.4K

$148.5K

How much do electroplating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for electroplating engineer in California is $89,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electroplating engineer?

To thrive as an Electroplating Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, materials science, and process engineering, typically supported by a degree in chemical, materials, or metallurgical engineering. Familiarity with electroplating bath formulations, surface preparation techniques, and quality control systems, as well as proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and safety protocols, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork enable you to optimize processes and address production challenges. These competencies ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of electroplating operations, which are critical for meeting product specifications and industry standards.

What does an electroplating engineer do?

An Electroplating Engineer specializes in designing, operating, and optimizing processes that deposit a thin layer of metal onto the surface of various products. They work with different metals and chemicals to enhance product properties like corrosion resistance, appearance, or electrical conductivity. Their responsibilities include developing plating solutions, troubleshooting equipment, ensuring safety and environmental compliance, and improving process efficiency. Electroplating Engineers often work in industries such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges electroplating engineers face in maintaining consistent coating quality, and how can they address them?

Electroplating Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining uniform thickness and adhesion of coatings, which can be affected by variables such as bath chemistry, temperature control, and substrate preparation. Addressing these issues typically involves regular monitoring and adjustment of process parameters, implementing rigorous quality control procedures, and collaborating closely with production and maintenance teams. Staying up to date with the latest industry standards and troubleshooting techniques is also crucial for minimizing defects and ensuring reliable results.

What is the difference between Electroplating Engineer vs Surface Finishing Technician?

AspectElectroplating EngineerSurface Finishing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications in plating processesHigh school diploma or technical training; certifications in surface finishing
Work EnvironmentDesigning processes, overseeing plating operations, quality control in manufacturing plantsPerforming surface treatments, maintenance, and quality checks on production lines
Industry UsageUsed in electronics, automotive, aerospace manufacturingCommon in metal finishing, jewelry, and appliance industries

Electroplating Engineers focus on designing and managing electroplating processes, requiring engineering credentials and overseeing quality control. Surface Finishing Technicians perform hands-on surface treatments and maintenance. While both roles work in similar environments and industries, their responsibilities and required qualifications differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Electroplating Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,353 per year, or $43 per hour.

Equipment Maintenance Technician (47497)

TDK Headway Technologies Inc.

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$30 - $55/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

TITLE:                        EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

D SHIFT:                    FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY AND EVERY OTHER THURSDAY 6:00 PM TO 6:00 AM

FLSA STATUS:          NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO:           EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

*Must be willing to train on F shift (Friday thru Sunday and every other Thursday 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM) for a minimum of two months before moving to assigned shift.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, the Equipment Maintenance Technician is responsible performing routine and preventative maintenance on semiconductor tool sets; ensuring that tools are performing at optimum levels by adhering to the established maintenance schedule; resolving tool issues quickly and efficiently in the areas of plating, CMP, photo, and vacuum; partnering with engineering or other groups to improve tool reliability, minimize downtime, and resolve yield issues; supporting continuous improvement activities; reviewing, updating, and documenting routine maintenance guides; and preparing for pass down meetings as needed. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Performs routine and preventative maintenance on tool sets; ensures tools are performing at optimum levels and within specification
  • Troubleshoots and resolves tool issues quickly and efficiently to ensure optimum tool up time
  • Partners with engineering, vendors, or other groups to improve tool reliability, reduce Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), increase Mean Time to Preventative Maintenance (MTTPM), and resolve yield issues
  • Prepares data or documentation for daily/weekly pass down meetings
  • Reads and interprets schematics, mechanical drawings, manuals, and tool repair guides
  • Recommends improvements or changes to existing processes in support of continuous improvement initiatives
  • Responds to inquiries from other team members, managers, or departments
  • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate’s degree in electronics, industrial manufacturing, and/or equivalent relevant experience
  • Two years of hands’ on experience working in equipment maintenance in the semiconductor or high-volume manufacturing industry
  • Strong foundation in pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical disciplines
  • Strong experience with semiconductor like manufacturing tools such as AMAT Endura, Veeco, Novellus, Canon Anelva, ASML Scanners, Nikon Steppers, KLA Metrology, DNS coat and develop tracks,  Wet Etch tools – Amerimade, RENA,  Electroplating tools – Tosetz, Class One, Eco Snow CO2 cleaners, AMAT CD SEM, CMP – AMAT, Strasbaugh, Ebara, Park Systems AFM, Nanometrics metrology tools.
  • Vacuum Maintenance Technician Experience with PVD, CVD, ALD, RIE, IBE, IBD and Dry Etch tools.
  • Photo Maintenance Technician Experience with Scanners and Steppers, CDSEM, Metrology tools and coat and develop tracks.
  • Plate / Wet Etch Maintenance Technician Experience – automated electroplating tools, wet etch tools (single wafer and batch), metrology tools, automated solvent strip tools (batch and single wafer), Eco Snow CO2 cleaners and metrology tools.
  • Chemical Mechanical Polish (CMP) Maintenance Technician Experience –CMP / Polish tools, wafer cleaners, and metrology tools.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and ability to perform routine and preventative maintenance on various semiconductor tools and tool sets
  • Knowledge and ability to read complex schematics, mechanical drawings, vacuum diagrams and flow charts, OEM manuals, instructions, and tool guides
  • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to follow written or verbal instructions with minimal supervision
  • 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
  • Able to comply with all clean room protocols and procedures
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve equipment maintenance issues quickly and efficiently
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
  • Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Flexible and able to prioritize

The hourly rate for this full-time position is between $30.00-$55.00 + 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 hourly pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Equipment Maintenance Technician works primarily in an indoor environment on a rotating schedule on D shift which is Friday thru Sunday and every other Thursday 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Work hours may be altered from time-to-time contingent on business needs. Works in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer manufacturing facility; wears a cleanroom (bunny) suit, including hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, and mask. May be exposed to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, and/or gases during the course of workday; may be exposed to loud noise; may work in close proximity to moving mechanical parts. Stands and walks, bends, twists, and crawls; May occasionally be required to work in crawl spaces, shafts, or other areas that could cause claustrophobia; wears a respirator in order to accommodate safety requirements. Performs various fine grasping movements; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment; may occasionally push, pull, or lift up to 50 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.

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.