ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Etch Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAAZ Micro Inc

Detector Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our detector team ... etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off * At least 3 years of hands-on ...

Intel

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

INTEL

Module Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$201K - $284K/yr

... repair reverse engineering including material selection, parameter optimization, equipment ... Proven track record of technical ownership and delivery of dry etch process innovations that ...

Substrate

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing ...

Applied Materials

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead dry etch applications * Design, collect data, analyze, and compile reports on a wide range of complex process engineering experiments for multiple products * Utilize techniques, define methods ...

Amat

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead dry etch applications * Design, collect data, analyze, and compile reports on a wide range of complex process engineering experiments for multiple products * Utilize techniques, define methods ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $192K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to the Etch Product Group. What you'll do * Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to the Dielectric Etch Team. What you'll do * Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

In this role, you will directly contribute to the Dieletric Etch Team. What you'll do * Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 6

Fremont, CA · On-site

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

... Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are ... The impact you'll make As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will work with cutting-edge technology ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 16, 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 is an Etch Process Engineer?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Detector Process Engineer

SAAZ Micro Inc

Goleta, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

SAAZ is advancing sensor solutions, from design and development to production and delivery of space-qualified hardware. Our expertise spans UV, visible, NIR, and IR sensors, including scanners, starers, event-based sensors, and LiDAR, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like tiled 3D IC packaging and cryo cooling architectures.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our detector team building advanced infrared photodetector array products. This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche photodiode arrays and focal plane arrays. You will be responsible for fabrication of the focal plane arrays from epi wafer to diced arrays at the UCSB Nanofab in Santa Barbara, CA and at our partner company in Camarillo, CA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Hands-on wafer and/or component fabrication in an ISO 5 and 6 cleanrooms
  • Set up and operate laboratory equipment to manufacture infrared focal plane arrays and sensors with production schedules and quality standards
  • Perform and refine fabrication processes; troubleshoot and resolve process problems
  • Inspect product at critical steps including microscope, SEM, ellipsometer and profilometer analysis
  • Work closely with senior technical staff to perform experiments and document experimental findings
  • Read, understand and follow schedules; follow written instructions and document results
  • Strong team member, able to work well with others
  • Follow all safety guidelines and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment and the handling of hazardous materials
  • Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements

Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant science or engineering discipline, or 10 years of relevant experience
  • Experience with hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off
  • At least 3 years of hands-on experience of semiconductor fabrication processes
  • General laboratory and ISO 5/6 cleanroom practices, responsible to follow all laboratory rules and regulations
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with attention to detail, and excellent documentation capability
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States required

Success Metrics
  • Consistently meet assigned deliverables and deadlines
  • Proactively identify and address process issues without requiring repeated direction
  • Maintain high standard of accuracy, accountability and documentation
  • Communicate issues, risks, and progress in a timely and professional manner
  • Demonstrate ownership of assigned processes and outcomes
  • Consistently perform all quality tasks and meet all quality requirements per the AS9100 standard and SAAZ procedures and work instructions

Apply