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Etch Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer 1

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$64K - $118K/yr

Etch engineer is expected to implement/improve process control by use of FDC and SPC methods. Engineer is expected to work in team environment to drive improvement in tool capability, to reduce ...

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 ...

Deposition and Etch Process Development & Ownership (35%): * Develop, qualify, and maintain PECVD ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering ...

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 ...

Etch engineer is expected to implement/improve process control by use of FDC and SPC methods. Engineer is expected to work in team environment to drive improvement in tool capability, to reduce ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Etch Process Engineer job openings in California 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 $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Dry Etch Process Engineers

Jobs for Humanity

Newport Beach, CA

$78K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Jobs for Humanity is collaborating with Upwardly Global and with Tower Semiconductor Ltd to build an inclusive and just employment ecosystem. We support individuals coming from all walks of life.
Company Name: Tower Semiconductor Ltd
Job Description

Process Engineer, Etch
Date: 28/08/2024
Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA, 92660
Company: Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
About Tower Semiconductor
Recruiting World Class Talent For A World Class Leader! Join Tower Semiconductor!
Looking for a career path in the high tech manufacturing industry? Become part of a team focused on delivering the most exciting semiconductor technology to the world! If you enjoy working with others in a fast-paced environment and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career in the high tech industry then Tower is the place to be!
Tower is a global specialty foundry leader! We specialize in manufacturing analog integrated circuits for more than 300 customers worldwide in growing markets such as automotive, medical, industrial, consumer, and aerospace and defense, among others.
Job Description
Sustain, improve, and develop dry etch processes in a volume manufacturing facility. Partner with Operations, Equipment Engineering Support, Integration, and R&D to deliver products on time to customer specification. Interface with global counterparts to benchmark and improve dry etch processes and procedures company-wide.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced dry etch process engineer with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Sustaining and improving dry etch processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Monitoring and controlling dry etch processes.
- Developing and implementing new dry etch capabilities and process enhancements to improve key performance metrics such as yield, throughput, and cycle time.
- Ramping new process technologies from R&D to volume manufacturing.
- Characterizing and qualifying new equipment, equipment upgrades, chemicals, and process technologies.
- Troubleshooting and solving yield issues.
- Supporting process and technology transfers between global manufacturing sites.
- Leading task forces as needed and helping develop solutions that prevent recurrence.
- Interfacing with global counterparts to benchmark and improve dry etch processes and procedures company-wide.
- Using FMEAs, lean manufacturing, six sigma, and 8D problem-solving processes.
Required Qualifications
- Either B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Solid State Physics, Electrical Engineering, or other relevant engineering physical science discipline is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of dry etch principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
- Ability to use knowledge to provide solutions to a variety of difficult problems.
- Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs.
- Demonstrated experience monitoring and sustaining dry etch processes in a production environment.
- Demonstrated experience dispositioning production lots during and after dry etch process steps per out-of-control plans.
- Demonstrated experience using statistics (e.g. probability plots, t-test) to analyze wafer/lot test results from various tools and/or with various process conditions to check for differences in populations.
- Demonstrated experience with statistical design of experiment (DOE) in optimizing a process recipe.
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic and self-starter.
- Outstanding communication skills both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefer minimum 5 years of dry etch process engineering experience with B.S. Degree or 3 years of experience with an advanced degree.
- Demonstrated expertise with TEL Unity, AMAT DPS, MXP and/or LAM2300, 9400, 9600 etch tools and processes.
- Knowledge of device physics.
- Knowledge of PROMIS wip management software and JMP Statistical analysis software.
- Six sigma certification.
Work Environment
Job Complexity & Responsibility: mid to senior-level position, moderate to high complexity, requires engineering analytics.
Communication & Influence: mid to senior-level position, needs to influence one's environment.
Supervision Responsibilities/Received: expected to work independently with minimal supervision.
Working Conditions: office and FAB.
Compensation Range: $78,850-145,122 United States Perks.