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Etch Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prosum

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Dry Etch Process Engineer Salary Range: $100k to $130k Job Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume ...

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 ...

Amat

Etch Process Engineer III

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data ...

W3Global Inc.

Founding Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Develop and tune dry and wet etch processes for III-V optical material stacks. * Establish process ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent hands-on experience.

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All JobsEtch Process Engineer JobsEtch Process Engineer Jobs in California

Etch Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do etch process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for etch process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Etch Process Engineer jobs in California? For Etch Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Etch Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Etch Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Etch Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Etch Process Engineer job openings:
Etch Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Etch Process Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Dry Etch Process Engineer

Dry Etch Process Engineer

Prosum Inc.

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Dry Etch Process EngineerSalary Range: $100k to $130k
Job Summary
Our client is seeking an experienced Dry Etch Process Engineer to support and enhance dry etch processes within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. This position will focus on sustaining existing processes, developing new process capabilities, improving yield and quality, and supporting the transition of new technologies into production. The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem-solver with strong technical expertise in semiconductor process engineering.
Key Responsibilities
  • Sustain, monitor, and optimize dry etch processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, throughput, quality, and overall process performance.
  • Troubleshoot process-related issues and drive root cause analysis to resolve yield and reliability concerns.
  • Support the transfer of new process technologies from development into volume manufacturing.
  • Characterize, qualify, and validate new process equipment, upgrades, and process changes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Integration, Equipment Engineering, and Quality to meet production and reliability objectives.
  • Analyze process data and implement continuous improvement initiatives using statistical methods.
  • Benchmark process performance and share best practices across engineering teams.
  • Ensure processes meet qualification, quality, and reliability requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering or science discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years of dry etch process engineering experience in a semiconductor manufacturing environment (2+ years with an advanced degree may be considered).
  • Strong understanding of dry etch process fundamentals, equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing principles.
  • Experience troubleshooting process issues and driving continuous process improvements.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), statistical analysis, and process characterization.
  • Proficiency with JMP or similar statistical analysis software.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in a related engineering or scientific discipline.
  • Experience with poly etch and/or metal etch processes.
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor etch equipment such as LAM 2300, LAM 9600, and/or Applied Materials DPS systems.
  • Knowledge of PROMIS WIP management systems.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, FMEA, and 8D problem-solving methodologies.
  • Six Sigma certification is a plus.

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