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Etch Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer III

Chaska, MN ยท On-site

$78K - $110K/yr

Experience in semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, thin-film processing, etch, deposition ... Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing languages for data ...

Experience in semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, thin-film processing, etch, deposition ... Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing languages for data ...

Process Engineer Manager

Chaska, MN ยท On-site

$133K - $192K/yr

Manager, Process Engineering Position Location: Chaska, MN Position Summary: TEL is seeking an ... Knowledge and experience of plasma etch equipment is preferred. * Strong problem finding/solving ...

Manager, Process Engineering Position Location: Chaska, MN Position Summary: TEL is seeking an ... Knowledge and experience of plasma etch equipment is preferred. * Strong problem finding/solving ...

Etch Tech

Litchfield, MN ยท On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

Post- stripping dip processes to clean foreign object debris from product to achieve customer ... Why Join Tech Etch? At Tech Etch, we engineer precision components that power the medical ...

Post- stripping dip processes to clean foreign object debris from product to achieve customer ... Why Join Tech Etch? At Tech Etch, we engineer precision components that power the medical ...

Perform process to complete solder assemblies, using fixtures, ring light, solder and soldering ... Why Join Tech Etch? At Tech Etch, we engineer precision components that power the medical ...

Manufacturing Inspector

Litchfield, MN ยท On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

Perform process to complete solder assemblies, using fixtures, ring light, solder and soldering ... Why Join Tech Etch? At Tech Etch, we engineer precision components that power the medical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Etch Process Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$48.5K

$90.1K

$139.6K

How much do etch process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for etch process engineer in Minnesota is $90,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $100,900.00 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 Minnesota? For Etch Process Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Etch Process Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Etch Process Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Etch Process Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,123 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Process Engineer III

TEL

Chaska, MN โ€ข On-site

$78K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Let's search for your next career at TEL. Use the form below to search our current opportunities and then apply. Please consider joining our Talent Community so that we may continue to engage with you.
Job Description
Process Engineer III - Plasma Process & Hardware Development
Location: Chaska MN or Chelmsford MA
Position Summary
The Process Engineer III is an experienced technical contributor responsible for the development, characterization, and optimization of advanced plasma processes and plasma hardware. This role requires deep expertise in plasma physics, plasma-material interactions, plasma source design, and process development. The engineer will leverage both computational modeling and experimental methods to develop next-generation plasma technologies for semiconductor manufacturing, advanced materials processing, or related applications.
Working in a multidisciplinary environment, the Process Engineer III will collaborate closely with hardware, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to design, validate, and improve plasma systems while driving process performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize plasma processes to meet performance, quality, and manufacturability objectives.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of plasma physics, plasma chemistry, and plasma-material interactions to solve complex technical challenges.
  • Design, develop, and evaluate plasma hardware, including plasma sources, microwave and RF power delivery systems, gas delivery components, magnetic field configurations, and chamber hardware.
  • Perform plasma diagnostics and experimental characterization using techniques such as Langmuir probes, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), VI probes, mass spectrometry, FTIR or other diagnostic tools.
  • Utilize plasma simulation and modeling tools to predict plasma behavior, optimize reactor designs, and correlate simulation results with experimental data.
  • Design and execute statistically sound experiments (DOE), analyze process data, and develop engineering models to improve plasma performance.
  • Troubleshoot plasma process and hardware issues through systematic root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product engineering, systems engineering, manufacturing, and reliability engineering to transition new technologies into production.
  • Develop technical documentation, engineering reports, design specifications, and operating procedures.
  • Present technical findings to engineering leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on plasma-related projects.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in plasma process development, plasma hardware development, or related engineering disciplines.
  • Strong fundamental understanding of:
    • Plasma physics
    • Plasma chemistry
    • Plasma-material interactions
    • RF and microwave plasma generation and power coupling
    • Gas-phase kinetics and transport phenomena
  • Demonstrated experience developing plasma hardware and reactor components.
  • Experience with plasma simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, VSim, CFD-ACE+, ANSYS, or equivalent) and correlation of simulation results with experimental data.
  • Hands-on experience designing and conducting plasma experiments and interpreting diagnostic data.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills.
  • Experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and statistical analysis.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Experience in semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, thin-film processing, etch, deposition, surface treatment, or advanced plasma applications.
  • Knowledge of RF matching networks, microwave plasma systems, pulsed plasma operation, and electromagnetic modeling.
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), or particle-in-cell (PIC) plasma simulations.
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing languages for data analysis and automation.
  • Experience transferring plasma technologies from research and development into manufacturing.

Core Competencies
  • Advanced plasma physics expertise
  • Plasma process development
  • Plasma hardware design and integration
  • Computational modeling and simulation
  • Experimental design and validation
  • Root cause analysis and problem solving
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Technical leadership and mentoring
  • Project execution and continuous improvement

Salary Ranges
$78,485.94 - $110,853.80
Individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, experience, skills, job-related knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and/or training. In addition to base salary, we offer (full time regular employees ) a comprehensive benefits package and for certain roles eligibility in our bonus plan and long-term incentives as applicable. The talent advisor can share more details about total compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
Diversity creates an innovative culture. TEL US is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Subsidiary
TEL Manufacturing and Engineering of America, Inc.