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Etch Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Or- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 6+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading ...

New

Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow. * Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process ...

Or- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 6+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading ...

New

Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow. * Establish and maintain SPC methodologies for process ...

Or- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 6+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading ...

New

Or- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 6+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading ...

New

Etch Tech

Litchfield, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

At Tech Etch, we engineer precision components that power the medical, aerospace, and electronics industries. As an employee-owned company, every person on our team has a voice-and a stake-in our ...

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Etch Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do etch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for etch engineer in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 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.

More about Etch Engineer jobs
What states have the most Etch Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Etch Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Etch Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Dry Etch module development engineer

Dry Etch module development engineer

INTEL

Vernonia, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Intel rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 144 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Description
Note: This role is only open to external candidates with industry dry etch experience from leading equipment suppliers or advanced foundries. You will operate in a high impact space, partnering closely with cross functional teams (Process Integration, Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Yield/Defect Engineering, and suppliers) to solve complex technical challenges and establish long term systems that sustain performance. This role requires regular onsite presence to fulfill essential job responsibilities.•Drives technology development for both high volume manufacturing and future technology, provides process integration and equipment solutions, and performs feasibility studies to meet desired device specifications. •Own and drive development of next generation patterning processes, including process architecture, optimization strategies, and qualification methodologies.•Performs pathfinding activities in support of process and hardware development on existing and first of kind equipment, enabling manufacturing of innovative device architectures and develops roadmaps for technologies enabling future roadmap. •Provide technical leadership for cross functional problem solving to resolve complex process and defect issues; drive structured root cause, containment, and permanent corrective actions.•Design and execute comprehensive characterization plans; plan and conduct experiments (DOE/response surface/robustness studies) across the development cycle.•Establish and mature control systems to optimize and sustain production performance (SPC, control plans, alarms, response plans, recipe governance, sustaining systems).•Develop strategies and infrastructure to resolve difficult problems and implement systems to manage these problems in the future (standard work, monitoring, dashboards/analytics, knowledge capture).•Drive improvements in yield, reliability, cost, productivity, and process capability, ensuring scalable transfer to manufacturing and ongoing sustainment.•Influence technical direction, mentor engineers (as appropriate for grade), and communicate status/risks clearly to stakeholders.•Recommends and implements modifications for operating equipment to improve production efficiency, manufacturing techniques, and optimizing production output for existing products. •Partners with key equipment and materials suppliers to develop and implement enabling elements of the technology. Performs process technology feasibility studies through theoretical simulations and/or practical engineering methods.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 4+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading foundry or equipment supplier with relevant experience.Or- Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 6+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading foundry or equipment supplier with relevant experience.Or-Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a semiconductor related STEM field with 8+ years of industry experience in dry etch at a leading foundry or equipment supplier with relevant experience.Relevant recent experience includes, but is not limited to:- Hands-on experience in dry etch semiconductor manufacturing, including ownership of process development and optimization. - Strong command of plasma etch fundamentals, including plasma generation, plasma-surface interactions, selectivity, profile control, and defect mechanisms.- Demonstrated record of delivering dry etch process solutions that improved yield, reliability, performance, or manufacturability for advanced technology nodes at foundry or suppliers. - Expertise in statistical analysis and DOE methodologies, using tools such as JMP, Python, or MATLAB to drive data-based decisions.Preferred Qualifications:- 5+ years of direct experience developing and deploying dry etch processes for advanced logic or foundry technologies.- Experience with advanced dry etch technologies such as: ICP / CCP plasma etch, High aspect ratio etch (HARC), Atomic Layer Etch (ALE), Radical and Vapor phase isotropic etching, Ash and surface treatments, EUV patterned layer etch integration. - Demonstrated ability to manage complex process challenges and provide solutions such as pattern fidelity, CD control, defectivity, variability reduction, or process window expansion. - Strong understanding of logic BEOL interconnects and their etch integration requirements.- Experience with materials and device characterization techniques, including SEM, TEM, CD SEM, AFM, XPS, or electrical correlation. - Ability to define technical approaches, de risk options, and guide less senior engineers through complex problem solving.- Proven ability to lead technical problem solving across projects, influencing peers and stakeholders without formal people management responsibility.- Evidence of broader technical influence, such as internal technology disclosures, patents, publications, or recognized subject matter expertise within the organization. - Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams. - Proven ability to communicate technical data and concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Join Intel's dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in technology. Help us shape the future today.
Posting Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Benefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock, bonuses, as well as, benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find more information about all of our Amazing Benefits here.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US $148,100.00-$209,100.00
*Salary range dependent on a number of factors including location and experience
Working Model
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

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PandoLogic. , Location: Vernonia, OR - 97064

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About Intel

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Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968