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Etch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent Corp.

Senior Process Engineer, Wet Etch

Sherman, TX · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and ... Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated * Will be exposed to ...

Aerotek

Etch Line (1st Shift)

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Etch Line Operator - 1st Shift The Etch Line Operator - Level 1 prepares metal products for etching by cleaning, masking, inspecting, and moving parts through the etch line process in a fast-paced ...

onsemi

Process Engineer - Etch

Gresham, OR · On-site

Communicate established processing procedures to Production Operators and Process Technicians ... Etch work experience in the semiconductor industry preferred. Skills: * Direct experience with LAM ...

Tech Etch

Flex Etcher

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on etch equipment per the operator process control checklist (e.g., check conveyor belts, inspect pumps, clean tank filters). * Complete daily tasks as ...

onsemi

Process Engineer - Etch

Gresham, OR · On-site

As an Process Engineer - Etch at onsemi's premier 200mm manufacturing facility in Gresham, Oregon ... Communicate established processing procedures to Production Operators and Process Technicians.

Tech Etch

Flex Etcher

Plymouth, MA

$17.50 - $25/hr

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on etch equipment per the operator process control checklist (e.g., check conveyor belts, inspect pumps, clean tank filters). * Complete daily tasks as ...

RLA Engineering LLC

Be Seen First

Wet Etch Process Engineer

Corvallis, OR · On-site

Work with a team of engineers, technicians, and operators to develop reliable, cost-effective and ... etch process engineer role * Use of Quality Systems, Statistical Process Control, Design of ...

Tech Etch

Talent Development Specialist

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB Tech Etch is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Talent Development ... Highly organized, execution‑oriented, and comfortable operating in a "build, deliver, improve ...

Tech Etch

Talent Development Specialist

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB Tech Etch is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Talent Development ... Highly organized, execution-oriented, and comfortable operating in a "build, deliver, improve ...

Tech Etch

Maintenance Mechanic

Plymouth, MA · On-site

$23 - $34.55/hr

Grow with Tech Etch. We're looking for a skilled, proactive Maintenance Mechanic to join our 1st and 3rd-shift team and keep our production lines and facility operating at peak performance. If you ...

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All JobsEtch Operator Jobs

Etch Operator information

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$14

$23

$33

How much do etch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for etch operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Etch Operators?

Etch Operators are skilled technicians who operate and monitor equipment used in the etching process, primarily in semiconductor or electronics manufacturing. Their main responsibility is to manage machines that use chemicals or plasma to remove layers from wafers or other materials, following strict safety and quality guidelines. They perform routine inspections, adjust machine settings, and ensure the final products meet precise specifications. Etch Operators also maintain detailed logs, troubleshoot equipment issues, and support the overall production process.

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

To thrive as an Etch Operator, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job training. Familiarity with etching equipment, cleanroom protocols, and software for process monitoring is important, and some positions may require certifications in semiconductor processing. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring precise, efficient fabrication of microelectronic components and maintaining high production standards.

What is the difference between Etch Operator vs CNC Operator?

AspectEtch OperatorCNC Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in etching processesHigh school diploma; training or certification in CNC programming
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or semiconductor facilities, cleanroomsMachine shops, manufacturing plants, industrial settings
Job FocusPerforming chemical or plasma etching on materialsOperating computer-controlled machining tools
Common UsageSemiconductor, electronics, and printed circuit board industriesMetalworking, aerospace, automotive industries

While both roles involve operating specialized equipment in manufacturing settings, Etch Operators focus on chemical and plasma etching processes, often in semiconductor or electronics industries. CNC Operators primarily operate computer-controlled machines for cutting and shaping materials. Both roles require technical training but differ in the specific processes and industries they serve.

What are some common challenges faced by Etch Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Etch Operators often face challenges such as maintaining precise control over complex equipment, ensuring consistent quality during high-volume production, and quickly troubleshooting process deviations. Effective management of these challenges involves thorough training, close adherence to safety and quality protocols, and clear communication with process engineers and quality control teams. Adapting to evolving technologies and remaining detail-oriented are also crucial for success in this role.
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What job categories do people searching Etch Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Etch Operator jobs are:
Etch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Etch Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 60% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer, Wet Etch

Coherent Corp.

Sherman, TX • On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize wet etch processes for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge-emitting lasers (EMLs) on GaAs and InP substrates.
  • Define and control etch chemistry, etch rate, isotropic vs. anisotropic etching, selectivity, and undercut management to meet stringent device performance criteria.
  • Utilize metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, XRD, and optical interferometry for process characterization and defect analysis.
  • Troubleshoot etch process deviations, material compatibility issues, and surface roughness effects, implementing corrective actions to ensure high device yield and process stability.
  • Work closely with device engineers and integration teams to integrate wet etch processes into the overall semiconductor fabrication flow.
  • Establish and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies for process monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Evaluate and qualify new wet etch chemistries, process automation techniques, and etch equipment to enhance process capabilities.
  • Develop and document etch process recipes, SOPs, failure analysis reports, and best practices for knowledge sharing and training.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in wet etch process development for optoelectronic applications.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor wet etch process development, particularly for GaAs and InP-based optoelectronic devices.
  • Strong expertise in wet etch chemistry, selectivity optimization, surface roughness control, and etch stop layers.
  • Hands-on experience with metrology techniques such as SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, profilometry, XPS, and XRD for process verification and defect analysis.
  • Deep understanding of etching challenges for VCSELs, photodiodes, and edge-emitting lasers (EMLs), including precise mesa formation, sidewall passivation, and optical performance impact.
  • Proficiency in SPC (Statistical Process Control), DOE (Design of Experiments), and data-driven process optimization.
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including device engineers, production teams, and R&D groups.

Skills
  • Experience in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing or advanced R&D prototyping for optoelectronic devices.
  • Familiarity with chemical safety, fume hood operations, and waste disposal protocols for semiconductor wet etch processing.
  • Familiarity with automation (SECS/GEM), scripting, or AI-driven process control, including FDC (Fault Detection and Classification) and APC (Advanced Process Control)
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical project management, process transfers, and mentoring junior engineers.

Working Conditions
  • Will be exposed to areas where hand tools and power tools are being operated
  • Will be exposed to areas where hazardous chemicals or gases are stored
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment per semi-conductor protocol/requirements

Physical Requirements
  • Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
  • Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
  • Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
  • Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
  • Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
  • Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
  • Sit for up to 4 hours at a time

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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