ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Etch Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intel

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

Atomic Layer Etch (ALE), EUV patterned layer etch integration; Radical and Vapor phase isotropic etching; Ash and surface treatments; Novel patterning or materials specific etch solutions

INTEL

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$201K - $284K/yr

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

INTEL

Module Development Engineer

Folsom, CA

$201K - $284K/yr

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

Intel

Module Development Engineer

Folsom, CA

Atomic Layer Etch (ALE), EUV patterned layer etch integration; Radical and Vapor phase isotropic etching; Ash and surface treatments; Novel patterning or materials specific etch solutions

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 ...

Semtech

Process Development Engineer

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Deposition and Etch Process Development & Ownership (35%): * Develop, qualify, and maintain PECVD ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering ...

Apple

TFT Process Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Apple is looking for Display Panel TFT Process and Integration Engineers to develop new processes ... Photo Lithography, Thin Film, Etch or Integration function for a-Si TFT, Metal Oxide TFT, LTPS TFT ...

Fujifilm

Process Engineer III - Dry Etch

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Provide production support engineering for a specific product or group of products (inkjet print ... Develop and improve wafer fab processes (Silicon Oxide, Deep Silicon, Ion Mill...etch processes)

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

Provide production support engineering for a specific product or group of products (inkjet print ... etch processes). • Use and run wafer metrology tools to analyze problems, failures and other ...

Fujifilm

Process Engineer II - Dry Etch

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Provide production support engineering for a specific product or group of products (inkjet print ... Develop and improve wafer fab processes (Silicon Oxide, Deep Silicon, Ion Mill...etch processes)

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

Provide production support engineering for a specific product or group of products (inkjet print ... etch processes). • Use and run wafer metrology tools to analyze problems, failures and other ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 7, 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 is an etch engineer?

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 August 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.

Service Business Manager - AGS Etch Focal

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$147,000.00 - $202,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
About the Role
Applied Materials is seeking a Service Business Manager - AGS Etch Focal to lead strategic customer engagements and drive service business growth and penetration across customers. In this role, you will act as the single-threaded business owner for prioritized customers, responsible for identifying, shaping, and scaling high-impact service opportunities across the Etch portfolio. You will operate at the intersection of customer strategy, field execution, and product development, partnering closely with account, business development and sales teams, and product organizations to accelerate service adoption, and maximize customer value.
This is a highly visible role with direct impact on revenue growth, and long-term customer partnership outcomes.
What You'll Do
Customer Ownership & Strategic Engagement
  • Own end-to-end service business performance for assigned strategic Etch customers, with accountability for service growth, penetration, and profitability.
  • Develop account-specific service strategies aligned to customer roadmap, fab priorities, and technology transitions.
  • Act as the primary commercial focal for service opportunity identification, shaping, and closure.
  • Develop customer-specific value propositions, pricing strategies, and business cases for service offerings.
  • Strengthen customer engagement models with a focus on long-term value creation and partnership.

Opportunity Creation & Service Penetration
  • Identify and prioritize high-value service opportunities (ELS, performance services, upgrades, digital/AI-enabled services) based on customer needs and installed base analysis.
  • Lead value-based selling by articulating clear ROI tied to yield, uptime, cost, and ramp acceleration.

Cross-Functional Execution
  • Partner with Sales, Account Teams, and Field Operations to convert opportunities into executable deals and ensure successful delivery.
  • Enable sales through clear messaging, deal frameworks, and negotiation support.
  • Collaborate with Product Marketing, Engineering, and Operations to align service offerings with customer needs and close gaps.
  • Drive alignment across AGS, SBU, and regional teams to ensure consistent execution and prioritization.

Executive & Customer Communication
  • Lead customer-facing discussions to position service strategy and roadmap alignment.
  • Deliver executive-level updates on customer performance, opportunity pipeline, and growth strategy.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Advanced degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience in semiconductor equipment, Etch products, service business, or fab operations.
  • Demonstrated experience in customer-facing roles, account management, or business ownership.
  • Understanding of service business models, including attach, renewals, and performance-based offerings.
  • Proven ability to drive commercial outcomes and influence cross-functional teams.
  • Strong analytical and financial skills, including experience with Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to engage customers and senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing or supporting strategic semiconductor accounts with revenue ownership or growth targets.
  • Deep understanding of Etch applications, and process challenges.
  • Experience driving service penetration, pricing strategy, or portfolio expansion.
  • Exposure to AI/digital service solutions, predictive maintenance, or data-driven service models.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills across field, BU, and corporate functions.
  • Customer-first mindset with ability to translate technical challenges into commercial opportunities.

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

What Applied Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Applied Materials logo

About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

View All Applied Materials Jobs

Apply