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Fab Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As part of the uncooled detector (focal plane array) research and development team, the successful candidate will have responsibility for engineering wafer fab processes including plasma etch, thin ...

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage ... Serve as backup support for Wafer Fab Quality Auditors by assisting with inspections, audits ...

You will collaborate closely with engineers, production teams, and fellow operators to ensure smooth ramp-up and sustained high performance. You have: * 2+ years of hands-on experience as a Wafer Fab ...

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

... fab, where your expertise will help establish robust processes, achieve on-time delivery goals, and drive Nokia's technology leadership forward. You will collaborate closely with engineers ...

Support the wafer fab engineering and operations teams to develop, control and optimize wafer fabrication processes * Work in teams to scale PIC wafer fabrication processes to larger wafer sizes ...

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

... fab, where your expertise will help establish robust processes, achieve on-time delivery goals, and drive Nokia's technology leadership forward. You will collaborate closely with engineers ...

Support the wafer fab engineering and operations teams to develop, control and optimize wafer fabrication processes * Work in teams to scale PIC wafer fabrication processes to larger wafer sizes ...

Semi Mfg Technician 4

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Support the wafer fab engineering and operations teams to develop, control and optimize wafer fabrication processes * Work in teams to scale PIC wafer fabrication processes to larger wafer sizes ...

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$33K - $62K/yr

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in ... You will collaborate closely with engineers, production teams, and fellow operators to ensure ...

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in ... You will collaborate closely with engineers, production teams, and fellow operators to ensure ...

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in ... You will collaborate closely with engineers, production teams, and fellow operators to ensure ...

You will have the opportunity to help bring up our new high-volume fab in San Jose, CA. You will ... S. or higher in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or Materials Science with at least 2 ...

You will have the opportunity to help bring up our new high-volume fab in San Jose, CA. You will ... Provide support for engineers with failure analysis - visual inspections, CD-SEM work, electrical ...

Staff Yield Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

Working closely with Integration, Process, Equipment, and Manufacturing Operations, the engineer will play a key role in improving fab yield performance, enabling Fab2 ramp readiness, and ...

Working closely with Integration, Process, Equipment, and Manufacturing Operations, the engineer will play a key role in improving fab yield performance, enabling Fab2 ramp readiness, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Fab Engineer information

See California salary details

$37K

$86.2K

$138.2K

How much do fab engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fab engineer in California is $86,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fab engineer?

To thrive as a Fab Engineer, a strong background in semiconductor physics, process engineering, and a relevant engineering degree (such as electrical, chemical, or materials engineering) is essential. Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication tools, cleanroom protocols, and statistical process control (SPC) systems is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma being advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Fab Engineers address process issues and collaborate effectively across departments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining high yield, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in the highly technical semiconductor manufacturing environment.

What are some typical challenges a fab engineer faces when working in a semiconductor fabrication facility?

Fab Engineers often work in fast-paced, highly controlled environments where precision is critical. Common challenges include troubleshooting equipment malfunctions quickly to minimize downtime, maintaining strict process controls to ensure product quality, and adapting to rapidly changing technology. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as process, equipment, and quality engineers—is essential to resolve issues efficiently. Staying updated on the latest advancements and continuously improving processes can also be both demanding and rewarding in this role.

What is the difference between Fab Engineer vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectFab EngineerSemiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldUsually a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical, electrical, or materials engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing fabs, cleanrooms, production floorsResearch labs, production facilities, process development areas
Industry UsageCommonly employed in semiconductor manufacturing plantsFound in semiconductor companies focusing on process development and optimization
Job FocusOperating equipment, troubleshooting, maintaining production linesDeveloping, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes

While both roles are integral to semiconductor manufacturing, Fab Engineers focus on daily operations and equipment maintenance within the fabrication plant, whereas Semiconductor Process Engineers concentrate on process development and optimization to improve product quality and efficiency.

What is a fab engineer?

Fab Engineers, short for Fabrication Engineers, are professionals who work in manufacturing environments, especially in semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs). They are responsible for overseeing and optimizing the processes used to manufacture microchips, integrated circuits, and other electronic components. Their duties include equipment maintenance, process improvement, troubleshooting, and ensuring product quality. Fab Engineers collaborate with other engineers and technicians to maintain efficient production and implement new technologies. They play a crucial role in ensuring that manufacturing runs smoothly and meets industry standards.
Infographic showing various Fab Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,153 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Wafer Fab Process Engineer

Teledyne

Goleta, CA

$90K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Teledyne Technologies rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Be visionary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description

About the job

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Summary:

As part of the uncooled detector (focal plane array) research and development team, the successful candidate will have responsibility for engineering wafer fab processes including plasma etch, thin film deposition, lithography, and wet cleans for next generation infrared detector designs. Candidate will design and implement new processes and automate or improve existing ones to support aggressive technology development goals. They will also own different tools and associated modules in the area. Candidate will characterize wafers and devices using SEM and or FIB/SEM. As part of process development, hands-on wafer fabrication and characterization of pilot lots is required. This is the right place for a self-directed, goal-oriented, collaborative engineer. The work is varied and challenging where creative problem-solving opportunities are many. Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and fun. The work environment is mixed general office and clean room/lab.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Innovate new processes to enable the technology roadmap
  • Design and execute experiments, analyze data, draw conclusions, document, and communicate results
  • Own tools and process modules in the area
  • Establish feasibility of new processes through handson processing of pilot lots on production equipment
  • Characterize results using quantitative metrology tools
  • Automate or improve established processes
  • Document methods and workflows in MESready format
  • Plan for statistical process control (SPC) practices as appropriate
  • Evaluate production yield challenges and recommend improvements

Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related technical discipline required
  • 0-5 years of related experience desired
  • Proficient computer skills - Word, Excel & Outlook
  • Ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English
  • Strong data analysis skills (fluency in Excel, MatLAB JMP, Python, SQL, or equivalent is helpful)
  • Ability to use inspection equipment (microscopes, FIB/SEM, interferometers), semiconductor fabrication equipment, and wet bench chemistry
  • Direct experience with one or more key wafer fabrication processes
  • Familiarity and/or strong desire to learn microelectronic/semiconductor and MEMS fabrication techniques
  • Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or Perm Resident

Desired Background

  • Wafer processing tools for semiconductor or MEMS fabrication
  • Infrared detector technology
  • Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments familiarity desired
  • Lean Six Sigma or other problem solving/decision making methods (8D, Kepner-Tregoe, or equivalent)

What We Offer

  • Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance starting Day 1
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement for Education
  • Fun Employee Events throughout the year


Salary Range:

$90,800.00-$121,100.000

The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, local regulations (such as minimum wage), education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.


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