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Etch Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer - Lithography Job Purpose: The PCB industry is experiencing a renaissance with the ... Responsible for the dry film lithography and associated wet etch processes and process tools used ...

Work closely with R&D and manufacturing engineering to qualify new tools and processes for volume ... etch processes). · Use and run wafer metrology tools to analyze problems, failures and other ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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'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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

... 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 ...

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'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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 12, 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:
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.

Sr. Process Engineer - Lithography

Sanmina

San Jose, CA

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Sanmina rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

Process Engineer - Lithography Job Purpose: The PCB industry is experiencing a renaissance with the industry focusing on Interconnect Technology and Miniaturization. With layers of circuits approaching more than 70 layers and features approaching below 1 mil (25.4 microns), the industry is rapidly changing from the early 2000s to enabling technologies in the 2020s and 2030s. Sanmina's PCB division is at the forefront of this renaissance, offering new opportunities for talented engineers in chemical engineering, material science, physics, and mechanical engineering

Sanmina is seeking engineers to explore opportunities to unleash the potential of advanced semiconductors and enable significant technological advancements. The Process Engineer will be responsible for the PCB lithography process lines. Nature of Duties/Responsibilities: Responsible for the dry film lithography and associated wet etch processes and process tools used for PCB manufacturing.

Develop and use SPC / KPI's to track process performance; drive continuous improvement projects Partner with equipment engineering to develop and document performance maintenance checklists. Define qualification requirements to be used after PM's and down tool events. Understand the capabilities of your fabrication process.

Source new tools, drive tool changes, and develop new processes to enhance PCB manufacturing capabilities. Work closely with operations to ensure that process work instructions are clear and processes are operator-friendly. Work collaboratively with upstream and downstream process modules to investigate defect root causes and develop solutions.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably Chemical or Materials Science Engineering. A minimum of 7 years working experience in photo lithography processing or a graduate degree with <5 years experience in lithography. Experienced with SPC.

Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with tools such as JMP, Minitab, Excel Experienced in statistical data analysis and Design of Experiments Proven track record in solving problems using 8D and continuous improvement via DMAIC. Good written and oral communication skills. A self-starter and go-getter capable of driving the yield improvement progress Salary Range(annual): $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package

The total rewards package also includes a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business and, depending on the role, may include eligibility for restricted stock unit awards and participation in a discretionary bonus program. This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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