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Etch Process Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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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 Sep 12, 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 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 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,123 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Metallurgical Engineer

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

Element Materials Technology
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$75K - $95K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Element Materials Technology rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Element has an opportunity for a Metallurgical Engineer in our St. Paul lab. This role will have an emphasis on failure analysis to uncover why components fail and help prevent future disasters for industry leading clients. In this role, you will lead hands‑on investigations and collaborate with an exceptional team of engineers, technicians, and chemists. You will direct and perform critical material testing in microscopy, metallography, mechanical testing, chemical analysis, finite element analysis, product qualification, and advanced sample preparation.


Our laboratory in St. Paul operates a full materials testing laboratory with mechanical testing, metallurgical testing, advanced materials testing,Nadcap certified nondestructive testing (NDT), certified weld inspection,failure analysisand chemistry services. We are among the most trusted providers of construction materials testing services in the US.


If you are not currently authorized to work in the US without sponsorship, Element Materials Technology will not consider your job application. Any candidate must be lawfully eligible to work in the US as a US Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States.


Salary: $75,000- $95,000 yr DOE


Responsibilities

  • Evaluate fractures and failures to perform root cause analysis

  • Interpret data and write technical reports with conclusions and recommendations for product improvement and failure prevention

  • Perform a variety of metallurgical evaluations including but not limited to: SEM and EDS analysis, microhardness, banding, carburization/decarburization, pitting, grain size, intergranular attack, microetching, and general microstructure evaluations

  • Prepare, polish, and etch metallographic samples

  • Perform equipment calibration and preventative maintenance

  • Manage and order lab supplies as needed

  • Participate in personal training, cross training of employees, and continued learning of industry techniques

  • Other relevant duties as assigned


Skills / Qualifications

  • Bachelor's (B.S.) degree in Materials Science or a related field

  • 2-4 years related work experience

  • Demonstrated experience collating data into cohesive conclusions, including chemistry, metallography, non-destructive testing, SEM/EDS, mechanical testing, CAD drawings, part history, and FEA

  • Preference to EIT, PE, and FASM certification as applicable


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Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.


When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.


While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.


Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.


Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.


All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.


The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email Recruitment@element.com”

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