Laser Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 14001 & 45001 certified compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at info@kyocerasldlaser.com or 18667535273.

Job Description

• This role will focus on the rapid execution of laser processing lots, process development, and associated testing for the characterization of device and process performance.

• The successful candidate will be hands-on, self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to quickly learn and carry out our fabrication process and test procedures from start to finish.

• Contributing to the improvement of process techniques is also expected.

• This person will play an important role in supporting the development of new laser device structures and fabrication processes.

• Process lots in wafer fab (lithography, thin film deposition, dry etch, wet etch, microscopy, metrology, etc.).

• Execute devices and test- structures tests / split lots and help develop new wafer fab processes.

• Tracking process steps, documenting results, and daily pass downs.

• Data entry and process calculations such as deposition and etch rates and timed.

• Operate, monitor, and control backend semiconductor processes such as assembly, packaging, wafer sort, final test, and related post-fab operations.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and control plans to ensure process consistency and product quality.

• Perform routine equipment checks, minor maintenance, calibration verification, and preventive maintenance support.

• Identify, document, and escalate process or equipment abnormalities; assist in root-cause investigations and corrective actions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance yield, reliability, and cycle time.

Test Lab Support

• Conduct electrical, parametric, and reliability testing according to defined test protocols.

• Set up test equipment, load/unload samples, and ensure proper data collection and documentation.

• Maintain test lab organization, cleanliness, and compliance with ESD and safety requirements.

• Assist engineers with test development and failure analysis activities as needed.

Cross-Site & Collaboration Responsibilities

• Work at Castilian and Pine fab and test locations as required to support production and engineering needs.

• Communicate effectively with process engineers, equipment engineering, quality, EHS, and operations teams.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, EHS standards, and regulatory requirements at all sites.

Experience and Skills

• Requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent with 2+ years of experience, or AS or BS with some wafer fab experience highly desired.

• Ability to manage various tasks in each schedule.

• Ability to work with minimal guidance in a dynamic environment.

• Good communication skills. Able to work alongside engineering staff and technicians.

• Experience working as a technician or experienced operator in a wafer fab environment; working on the typical modules in wafer fabrication is preferred but not required.

• Experience with several of the following processes is plus lithography (spin coat, stepper, mask aligner), thin film deposition (sputter, PECVD), wet etch, dry etch, saw dicing, wafer thinning, laser scribe and break, test (manual or automate probe station)

• III-V experience preferred but not required.

The full time base salary range for the position of Process Technician is $30.00 to $34.00 per hour. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.