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Etch Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wet Etch Process Engineer Pay Rate: To be negotiated Expected Weekly Hours: 40 Position Summary This position is responsible for supporting various wet etch processes used in a silicon wafer fab ...

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Marcy, NY · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Own and sustain the Dry Etch process area or a part thereof along with other department engineers and technicians as part of a 24*7 High Volume Silicon Carbide Wafer Fab. Respond to any process ...

As a Senior Wet Etch Process Engineer you will be primarily responsible for starting up, developing, and optimizing processes to improve product quality, driving process yield improvements, cost ...

Own and sustain the Dry Etch process area or a part thereof along with other department engineers and technicians as part of a 24*7 High Volume Silicon Carbide Wafer Fab. Respond to any process ...

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Etch Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do etch process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for etch process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Etch Process Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Etch Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining process stability, optimizing etch selectivity, and minimizing defects in semiconductor manufacturing. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and frequent collaboration with equipment engineers and process integration teams. Staying current with new etching techniques and maintaining thorough documentation can help resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, clear communication within cross-functional teams is essential for troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Etch Process Engineer vs Plasma Process Engineer?

AspectEtch Process EngineerPlasma Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Materials, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's in Chemical, Materials, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentCleanroom semiconductor fabrication facilitiesCleanroom semiconductor fabrication facilities
Industry UsageSemiconductor manufacturing, microfabricationSemiconductor manufacturing, microfabrication
Job FocusEtching patterns onto wafers using chemical or plasma processesDeveloping and optimizing plasma-based processes for etching and deposition

Both roles are integral to semiconductor fabrication, often working in similar environments and requiring comparable technical backgrounds. The Etch Process Engineer primarily focuses on the etching process itself, while the Plasma Process Engineer specializes in plasma-based techniques that can include etching and deposition. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as an Etch Process Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication tools, such as plasma etchers and process control systems, as well as knowledge of industry standards like SEMI and SPC, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting complex processes and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for optimizing manufacturing yields, ensuring process stability, and driving innovation in semiconductor production.

What are Etch Process Engineers?

Etch Process Engineers are specialized professionals who develop, optimize, and monitor the etching processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They work to ensure precise removal of material from silicon wafers using chemical or plasma etching techniques, which is critical for defining micro- and nano-scale patterns on chips. Their responsibilities include process development, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and data analysis to improve yield and device performance. Etch Process Engineers often collaborate with other engineering teams to support new technology introductions and meet production goals.
More about Etch Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Etch Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Etch Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Etch Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Etch Process Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Etch Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Locum Tenens. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Wet Etch Process Engineer

Wet Etch Process Engineer

RLA Engineering LLC

Corvallis, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

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Job description

Job Title: Wet Etch Process Engineer

Pay Rate: To be negotiated

Expected Weekly Hours: 40


Position Summary

This position is responsible for supporting various wet etch processes used in a silicon wafer fab environment. The candidate will utilize their understanding of fabrication processes and product development methodologies to achieve the yield goals of assigned toolset/process step(s). The wet etch process engineer will collaborate with product R&D teams to make decisions on process quality based on data and statistical analysis.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop fundamental understanding of assigned wet tech processes and product development methodologies
  • Take ownership for an assigned toolset or process step(s) to optimize process quality controls vs costs
  • Work with a team of engineers, technicians, and operators to develop reliable, cost-effective and high-quality solutions for complex products in a fast-paced New Product Introduction (NPI) environment
  • Specify, help install, and monitor use of required utilities e.g., gases, fluids, etc.
  • Develop new methods and capabilities in the assigned process steps including needed inspection equipment
  • Collaborate and communicate with global management, operations, and development teams including outsourced development partners regarding project progress and issue resolution
  • Document and present project methods and results
  • Occasionally work >40 hours in a week to meet certain team milestones
  • Perform other duties as needed

Education and Credential Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • Eligible to work in the US without RLA sponsorship for employment visa status

Experience Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience in a wet etch process engineer role
  • Use of Quality Systems, Statistical Process Control, Design of Experiments, and basic statistical data analysis on tooling design, process development, and improvements
  • Designed tooling and process development in low volume (engineering builds) and high volume (mass production build) manufacturing environments
  • Worked with product R&D and manufacturing teams on design for test (DFT) and design for manufacturability (DFM) improvements

Preferred experience below


  • Worked in a silicon wafer fab (cleanroom) environment
  • Worked on MEMS products


Skills Requirements


  • Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
  • High proficiency using productivity software such as M365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams and SharePoint)
  • Ability to use agile/scrum project/program management principles and methodologies to consistently meet task deadlines, triage changing priorities, and track issues to resolution
  • Ability to collaborate across diverse teams with a customer service mindset


Work Environment

  • The position typically operates in a standard office environment and/or from employee’s home
  • Be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Company Description

Founded in 2010 and based in Vancouver, WA, RLA Engineering is a premier engineering design firm. We partner with clients from start-ups to industry leaders across the U.S. to help bring great products to life. From concept to prototype, we provide test & measurement and product design solutions powered by deep technical expertise.