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Etch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applied Materials

Etch Process Engineer E3S

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Perform etch chamber hardware and process characterization under the guidance of senior engineers, including evaluation of hardware components such as ESCs, rings, liners, gas delivery systems, and ...

Amat

Etch Process Engineer E3S

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Perform etch chamber hardware and process characterization under the guidance of senior engineers, including evaluation of hardware components such as ESCs, rings, liners, gas delivery systems, and ...

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Etch information

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$19

$26

How much do etch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for etch in California is $19.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an etch operator do?

An Etch operator works in semiconductor manufacturing, where they operate and monitor machines that use chemical or plasma processes to remove layers from silicon wafers. This precision process is essential for creating the intricate circuits in microchips. Etch operators are responsible for ensuring equipment runs correctly, monitoring process parameters, performing routine maintenance, and adhering to safety protocols. They may also inspect wafers for defects and document production data to maintain quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an etch operator?

To thrive as an Etcher, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of drawing or design principles, often supported by formal art or technical training. Familiarity with etching tools, chemicals, printing presses, and safety equipment is typically required. Creativity, patience, and problem-solving abilities help individuals produce high-quality, original work and troubleshoot process issues. These skills ensure precision, safety, and artistic excellence in creating etched designs or prints.

What are some common challenges faced by etch technicians in maintaining precision during the semiconductor fabrication process?

Etch technicians often encounter challenges in maintaining precision due to the microscopic scale of semiconductor features and the sensitivity of materials to process variations. Common issues include controlling etch depth and uniformity, preventing defects caused by contamination, and ensuring strict adherence to cleanroom protocols. Collaboration with process engineers and equipment maintenance teams is essential to troubleshoot problems and achieve high yield rates. Staying proactive about equipment calibration and following detailed process documentation can help address these challenges.

What is the difference between Etch vs Engraver?

AspectEtchEngraver
CredentialsTypically requires training or certification in etching techniquesOften requires similar skills, sometimes with additional artistic or technical training
Work EnvironmentFactories, workshops, or art studiosJewelry shops, manufacturing, or art studios
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, art, and decorative applicationsUsed in jewelry, awards, and decorative arts

While both etchers and engravers work with marking surfaces, etch involves creating designs through chemical or acid processes, often for mass production or artistic purposes. Engravers carve directly into materials like metal or glass, typically for personalized or detailed work. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right professional for your project or career path.

What are popular job titles related to Etch jobs in California?

For Etch jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Etch jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Etch jobs in California are:

Etch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Etch job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,893 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Dry Etch Process Engineers

Jobs for Humanity

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$78K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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.

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