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Electroplating Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plating Technician

Carlsbad, CA

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Plating Technician performs electroplating and metalfinishing processes for highreliability components in a production environment. This role supports daily manufacturing operations by executing ...

Plating Technician

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

The Plating Technician performs electroplating and metal-finishing processes for high-reliability components in a production environment. This role supports daily manufacturing operations by ...

Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$106K - $142K/yr

Knowledge in micro/nano fabrication and cleaning processes such as wet chemical etch, photoresist strip, liftoff, eco-snow and electroplating. * Exposure to photolithography concepts such as ...

Knowledge in micro/nano fabrication and cleaning processes such as wet chemical etch, photoresist strip, liftoff, eco-snow and electroplating. * Exposure to photolithography concepts such as ...

Knowledge in micro/nano fabrication and cleaning processes such as wet chemical etch, photoresist strip, liftoff, eco-snow and electroplating. * Exposure to photolithography concepts such as ...

Equipment Technician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Perform PM on fab equipment, including sputter, evaporation, photolithography, electroplating, and we/dry etch tools, ensuring optimal performance and minimal production downtime. * Support tool ...

Equipment Technician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$33.65 - $48.08/hr

Perform PM on fab equipment, including sputter, evaporation, photolithography, electroplating, and we/dry etch tools, ensuring optimal performance and minimal production downtime. * Support tool ...

Showing results 21-40

Electroplating information

See California salary details

$10

$22

$29

How much do electroplating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for electroplating in California is $22.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is electroplating?

An Electroplating job involves coating metal objects with a thin layer of another metal using an electrochemical process. Workers in this role prepare surfaces, operate plating equipment, and ensure proper coating thickness. They may work with metals like gold, silver, copper, or nickel to improve durability, appearance, or resistance to corrosion. Safety precautions are essential due to the chemicals used in the process.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in electroplating?

A typical day in electroplating involves preparing metal surfaces, operating and monitoring plating equipment, mixing chemical solutions, and conducting quality inspections to ensure product standards are met. Employees often work in dedicated production areas as part of a team, collaborating closely with supervisors, quality assurance staff, and maintenance personnel. Adhering to safety protocols and maintaining accurate records is a key part of the daily routine. Over time, experienced electroplating professionals may have opportunities to take on supervisory, training, or quality control roles within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in electroplating, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electroplating professional, you need a solid understanding of chemical processes, attention to detail, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Competence with plating tanks, measuring instruments, and knowledge of industry regulations such as OSHA standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a commitment to maintaining quality standards help individuals excel in this field. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality finishes, ensuring workplace safety, and meeting production goals in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electroplating jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electroplating jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Electroplating jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Electroplating jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Electroplating jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electroplating job openings:

Infographic showing various Electroplating job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,136 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Sr. Principal Plating Engineer

FormFactor, Inc.

Livermore, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


FormFactor rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Forming Our Future together
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle - from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor's products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Rooted in our core values - Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People - we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.
Shift:
The regular hours for this position are day shift.
Job Description:
The Sr. Principal Plating Engineer (MEMS R&D) serves as a recognized technical authority responsible for defining, developing, and implementing advanced electroplating technologies, metallurgical innovations, and process integration strategies for MEMS probe fabrication. This role combines deep expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, semiconductor processing, and advanced metallurgy with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges that have significant impact on FormFactor's technology roadmap and competitive advantage.
As a senior technical leader, you will lead strategic R&D initiatives, drive innovation in electrodeposition and material development, influence product and process direction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable next-generation probe card performance. This role requires the ability to balance long-term technology development with hands-on process characterization and problem solving.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Define and execute long-range technology roadmaps for advanced electroplating processes, materials, and metallurgical innovations supporting future MEMS probe technologies.
  • Serve as the organization's subject matter expert in electroplating, electroless deposition, electrochemistry, and metallurgical process development.
  • Lead research, evaluation, and implementation of novel materials and deposition technologies to improve electrical, thermal, mechanical, and reliability performance.
  • Assess emerging industry technologies and identify opportunities to create sustainable competitive advantages through advanced materials and plating processes.
  • Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent development, and technical innovation initiatives.

Process Development & Characterization
  • Design and execute complex Design of Experiments (DOE) to develop and optimize advanced metallurgical solutions for MEMS probe fabrication.
  • Develop, characterize, document, and scale electrodeposition processes for next-generation vertical probe technologies.
  • Establish process windows, operating specifications, and control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing performance.
  • Lead process integration efforts across MEMS fabrication workflows.
  • Maintain expertise in plating bath chemistry, deposit morphology, stress management, grain structure control, and material performance optimization.

Materials Analysis & Failure Investigation
  • Perform advanced materials characterization using SEM, EDS/EDAX, FIB, microscopy, and other analytical techniques.
  • Analyze deposited metal structures to evaluate composition, microstructure, purity, and performance characteristics.
  • Lead root cause investigations involving plating defects, process excursions, reliability concerns, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Apply first-principles engineering and statistical methodologies to solve complex electrochemical and material-related issues.

Process Control & Operational Excellence
  • Develop advanced process monitoring, control, and qualification methodologies.
  • Establish analytical techniques for plating bath characterization and chemical management.
  • Drive improvements in yield, process capability, throughput, and manufacturing robustness.
  • Define best practices for electrochemical process control, safety, and materials handling.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards associated with chemical processing operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, Product Development, Process Integration, Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, and Quality teams to support technology development and commercialization.
  • Review new product designs and provide guidance regarding manufacturability, materials selection, and plating process capabilities.
  • Influence technical decisions and provide expert recommendations for strategic development initiatives.
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Mentorship & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians in electrochemistry, plating technologies, and process development methodologies.
  • Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and engineering best practices across the organization.
  • Build organizational capabilities through coaching, training, and technical leadership.
  • Lead technical reviews and serve as a trusted advisor on critical technology and manufacturing decisions.

Skills:
Electrochemistry, Electroless Plating, Electron Microscopy, Electroplating, Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Development, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductors
Education & Experience:
Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required
Pay Range:
$136,200.00 - $178,815.00
Pay Range Explained:
This role in Livermore, California pays between $136,200.00 and $178,815.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations. We offer a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and paid time off. You'll also be eligible for quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and flexible spending or savings accounts.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.
For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.

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