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Etch Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Process Engineer (Etch)

Fremont, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Etch Process Engineer (Quartz & Chamber Focus) to join our quartz spares manufacturing team supporting the semiconductor industry. This role is centered on driving ...

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Process Engineer (Etch)

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Etch Process Engineer (Quartz & Chamber Focus) to join our quartz spares manufacturing team supporting the semiconductor industry. This role is centered on driving ...

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Process Engineer (Etch)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Etch Process Engineer (Quartz & Chamber Focus) to join our quartz spares manufacturing team supporting the semiconductor industry. This role is centered on driving ...

Etch Process Engineer - Days

Austin, TX · On-site

$70.48K - $179.09K/yr

Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering field. * 1+ year of experience in a related field. * Experience with 300mm Dry Etch processes. * Familiarity with equipment platforms such as Lam, AMAT ...

Etch Process Engineer - Days

Taylor, TX · On-site

$70.48K - $179.09K/yr

Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering field. * 1+ year of experience in a related field. * Experience with 300mm Dry Etch processes. * Familiarity with equipment platforms such as Lam, AMAT ...

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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 May 31, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 29% Hybrid, and 71% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
Process Engineer (Etch)

Process Engineer (Etch)

Pro-Tech Staffing Services

Fremont, CA • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 8 days ago

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Job description

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Etch Process Engineer (Quartz & Chamber Focus) to join our quartz spares manufacturing team supporting the semiconductor industry. This role is centered on driving plasma etch process stability, yield improvement, and chamber performance through deep understanding of quartz lifecycle behavior, contamination mechanisms, and plasma–material interactions. The engineer will work cross-functionally with equipment engineering, maintenance, and suppliers to ensure optimal chamber health and consistent wafer processing performance.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and optimize plasma etch recipes for dielectric, polysilicon, and metal layers
  • Improve critical process metrics including etch rate, selectivity, uniformity, and profile control
  • Perform Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize process windows and stability
  • Manage lifecycle of quartz chamber components (focus rings, showerheads, liners, windows, edge rings)
  • Define replacement intervals based on erosion, particle generation, devitrification, and plasma damage
  • Work with vendors on material purity, machining tolerances, cleaning processes, and refurbishment strategies
  • Monitor chamber performance using SPC and particle data
  • Identify failure modes including micro-cracking, devitrification, and surface roughening
  • Conduct root cause analysis for yield excursions, particle adders, and process instability
  • Partner with equipment engineering and maintenance teams on PM schedules and chamber qualification
  • Define post-maintenance seasoning and qualification requirements to ensure stable tool performance
  • Analyze defect and electrical test data to drive yield improvement and reduce process variation
  • Troubleshoot etch issues such as non-uniformity, residue formation, micro-masking, and particle generation
  • Correlate quartz wear behavior with yield loss and process drift
  • Improve quartz component durability and reduce cost per wafer
  • Qualify new suppliers and evaluate refurbishment strategies

Required Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing with strong etch process experience
  • Strong experience with plasma etch tools, processes, and chamber behavior
  • Proven experience diagnosing and resolving quartz or ceramic chamber component issues
  • Working understanding of plasma etch fundamentals and chamber–plasma interactions
  • Hands-on experience with SPC, DOE, and semiconductor metrology tools
  • Strong experience driving yield improvement, defect reduction, and process stability through data analysis
  • Chamber matching and tool-to-tool matching experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate degree (AA) or Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field
  • Experience in high-volume semiconductor fabs
  • Experience with advanced technology nodes (≤28nm preferred)
  • Familiarity with quartz refurbishment and lifecycle management strategies
  • Cost-per-wafer reduction and consumables optimization experience

Work Location:

In person