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Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level microfabrication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level microfabrication engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer do?

An Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer works on the design, fabrication, and testing of microscale devices and components, often in cleanroom environments. They use specialized equipment and processes, such as photolithography, etching, and deposition, to create microstructures for applications in electronics, MEMS, and biotechnology. Their responsibilities often include equipment operation, process development, data analysis, and documentation. They typically collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to optimize manufacturing processes and ensure product quality.

What is the difference between Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Microfabrication EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Microengineering, Materials Science, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, Materials, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and process optimization in cleanroom settingsOperate and maintain fabrication equipment in cleanroom or production lines
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, semiconductor companies, microfabrication facilitiesManufacturing plants, semiconductor fabs, production facilities

While both roles work in microfabrication environments, Entry Level Microfabrication Engineers focus on designing processes and improving fabrication techniques, whereas Process Technicians primarily operate and maintain equipment to ensure production runs smoothly. The engineer role often involves more design and analysis, while the technician role emphasizes hands-on operation and troubleshooting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor physics, materials science, and cleanroom protocols, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with photolithography, thin film deposition, etching equipment, and CAD software is commonly required, and training in safety procedures and cleanroom standards is beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this highly collaborative environment. These skills ensure precise fabrication processes, minimize defects, and support innovation in developing advanced microdevices.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level microfabrication engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level microfabrication engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex fabrication equipment, ensuring process consistency, and troubleshooting defects in micro-scale devices. Adjusting to cleanroom protocols and detailed documentation standards can also require a learning curve. These challenges can be addressed by seeking mentorship from experienced team members, participating in hands-on training, and actively engaging in team meetings to discuss process improvements. Collaboration and continuous learning are key to overcoming initial hurdles and growing in this specialized field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Microfabrication Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Microfabrication Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Microfabrication Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Semiconductor Device Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Beavercreek, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 438 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Semiconductor Device Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Semiconductor Device Engineer to join our team researching Ga-polar and N-polar Gallium Nitride devices. This entry-level role (0-2 years of experience) is designed for an engineer with a strong foundation in semiconductor physics and a desire to work directly in a cleanroom environment. In this role, you will bridge the gap between virtual modeling and physical realization by performing TCAD simulations, fabricating test structures in our state-of-the-art cleanroom, conducting DC/RF electrical testing, and inspecting devices using advanced microscopy. You will work closely with senior engineers to accelerate technology development and optimize device performance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Cleanroom Fabrication & Process Support: Spend active time in the cleanroom environment assisting with process steps, managing test runs, and operating fabrication equipment (e.g., photolithography, wet/dry etching, thin-film deposition).
• Device Simulation (TCAD): Utilize TCAD simulation tools (e.g., Synopsys Sentaurus, Silvaco) under the guidance of senior engineers to model basic device physics, predict electrical behaviors, and guide physical experiments.
• Electrical Characterization (DC & RF): Set up and execute parametric electrical testing. Perform DC measurements (I-V, C-V) and RF/high-frequency measurements (S-parameters) using manual or semi-automated probe stations, parameter analyzers, and network analyzers.
• Microscopy & Metrology: Conduct physical characterization and failure analysis on fabricated devices using advanced microscopy tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and optical microscopes.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Compile, analyze, and present experimental data. Compare electrical measurements against TCAD simulation results to identify discrepancies and suggest device improvements.
• Documentation & Safety compliance: Maintain rigorous documentation of cleanroom runs, testing protocols, and safety procedures.
Work Environment:
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
  • Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Nanoengineering, or a closely related engineering field.
Experience: 0 to 2 years of hands-on cleanroom experience (can include undergraduate research, senior capstone design projects, or internships)
Fabrication Skills: Familiarity with standard cleanroom protocols, safety standards, and basic microfabrication processing techniques.
Testing & Metrology:
• Basic experience with semiconductor parametric testing equipment (e.g., source measure units, lock-in amplifiers).
• Hands-on experience or coursework exposure to DC/RF electrical characterization concepts.
• Direct experience operating optical microscopes; exposure to SEM or AFM is highly desirable.
Simulation & Software: Exposure to TCAD simulation software (e.g., Sentaurus, Silvaco, or COMSOL) through coursework or academic projects.
Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eagerness to learn from senior mentors and collaborate in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
Security Clearance: Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance. Public Trust clearance required.
Desired Qualifications:
Hands-on experience with Ga-polar and N-polar Gallium Nitride device modeling and fabrication.
Experience using scripting languages (such as Python or MATLAB) to automate data extraction, instrumentation control, or analyze large testing datasets.
Prior internship in a semiconductor lab or an academic cleanroom facility.
Familiarity with calibration techniques for RF testing.
Experience interpreting cross-sectional SEM images and surface topography profiles from AFM.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998