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Etch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prosum

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Dry Etch Process Engineer Salary Range: $100k to $130k Job Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume ...

INTEL

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$172K - $243K/yr

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor ... Strong command of plasma etch fundamentals, including plasma generation, plasma-surface ...

Intel

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor ... Strong command of plasma etch fundamentals, including plasma generation, plasma-surface ...

Semtech

Process Development Engineer

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

The Process Development Engineer - InP Wafer Fab position is responsible for development ... Deposition and Etch Process Development & Ownership (35%): * Develop, qualify, and maintain PECVD ...

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All JobsEtch Engineer JobsEtch Engineer Jobs in California

Etch Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$88K

$140.1K

How much do etch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for etch engineer in California is $88,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Etch Engineer, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes, materials science, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with plasma etching equipment, process control software, and cleanroom protocols is typically required, along with experience in statistical process control (SPC) and failure analysis tools. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for optimizing etch processes, ensuring product quality, and maintaining efficient semiconductor manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Etch Engineers during process development, and how are they typically addressed?

Etch Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uniformity across wafers, minimizing defects, and adapting recipes for new materials or device structures. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with process integration and equipment engineering teams, rigorous experimentation, and data analysis to fine-tune process parameters. Continuous learning and adapting to rapid technology changes are also essential parts of the role, making strong problem-solving skills and teamwork crucial for success.

What are Etch Engineers?

Etch Engineers are professionals who specialize in the process of removing specific layers from semiconductor wafers during the manufacturing of microchips and electronic components. They develop, optimize, and monitor etching processes using chemical or plasma-based techniques to achieve precise patterns on wafers. Etch Engineers work closely with other process engineers to ensure high yield and quality in semiconductor fabrication, troubleshooting issues and improving efficiency. Their expertise is critical for producing the tiny, complex structures found in modern electronics.

What is the difference between Etch Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectEtch EngineerProcess Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing etching processes for semiconductor fabricationDesigning, implementing, and improving overall manufacturing processes
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of plasma etching, cleanroom protocols, and process control; often requires a degree in engineering or materials scienceBroad engineering background, often with certifications in process management or quality control
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments in semiconductor fabsManufacturing facilities, labs, or production lines

While both roles are integral to semiconductor manufacturing, Etch Engineers specialize in etching processes, whereas Process Engineers oversee the entire manufacturing process. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with Etch Engineers concentrating on specific etching techniques and Process Engineers managing overall process efficiency and quality.

What are popular job titles related to Etch Engineer jobs in California? For Etch Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Etch Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Etch Engineer jobs in California are:
Etch Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Etch Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,015 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
Dry Etch Process Engineer

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Prosum

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Salary Range: $100k to $130k

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. This position will focus on sustaining existing processes, developing new process capabilities, improving yield and quality, and supporting the transition of new technologies into production. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver with strong technical expertise in semiconductor process engineering.

Key Responsibilities

  • Sustain, monitor, and optimize dry etch processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, throughput, quality, and overall process performance.
  • Troubleshoot process-related issues and drive root cause analysis to resolve yield and reliability concerns.
  • Support the transfer of new process technologies from development into volume manufacturing.
  • Characterize, qualify, and validate new process equipment, upgrades, and process changes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Integration, Equipment Engineering, and Quality to meet production and reliability objectives.
  • Analyze process data and implement continuous improvement initiatives using statistical methods.
  • Benchmark process performance and share best practices across engineering teams.
  • Ensure processes meet qualification, quality, and reliability requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or science discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years of dry etch process engineering experience in a semiconductor manufacturing environment (2+ years with an advanced degree may be considered).
  • Strong understanding of dry etch process fundamentals, equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing principles.
  • Experience troubleshooting process issues and driving continuous process improvements.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process characterization.
  • Proficiency with JMP or similar statistical analysis software.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or Ph.D. in a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Experience with poly etch and/or metal etch processes.
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor etch equipment such as LAM 2300, LAM 9600, and/or Applied Materials DPS systems.
  • Knowledge of PROMIS WIP management systems.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.
  • Six Sigma certification is a plus.

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