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Lithography Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

To achieve this goal, we're seeking a passionate technologist and experience lithography engineer with strong semiconductor background to develop process and device integration solutions for emerging ...

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data ...

Process Engineering for photolithography. Focus areas include process sustaining for the 24x7 operation, development, qualification, and release of improved photo-lithography processes on both ...

Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing ... Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing ...

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Lithography Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$90.8K

$140.6K

How much do lithography process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lithography process engineer in California is $90,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lithography process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lithography Process Engineer, you need a solid background in semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography principles, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with lithography equipment (e.g., steppers, scanners), process control software, and statistical analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address process challenges. These skills and qualifications are essential to optimize yields, maintain quality standards, and drive innovation in semiconductor fabrication.

What does a lithography process engineer do?

A Lithography Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the photolithography processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They work with advanced equipment to transfer circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, ensuring high precision and yield. Their role involves troubleshooting process issues, improving process reliability, and collaborating with other engineering teams to support production goals. Lithography Process Engineers also stay up-to-date with new technologies and methods to continuously enhance manufacturing efficiency.

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

AspectLithography Process EngineerSemiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields; certifications in process engineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Electrical, or Materials Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCleanroom environments focused on photolithography steps in chip fabricationCleanroom or fab environments covering multiple process steps in semiconductor manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily in semiconductor fabrication plants, focusing on lithography processesAcross semiconductor manufacturing, including process development and production

While both roles operate in semiconductor manufacturing and require similar technical backgrounds, the Lithography Process Engineer specializes in photolithography techniques, whereas the Semiconductor Process Engineer oversees broader process steps. The Lithography Process Engineer focuses on patterning and imaging, making their role more specialized within the manufacturing process.

What are some common challenges faced by lithography process engineers and how can they be addressed?

Lithography Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing process variability, minimizing defects, and optimizing equipment performance to achieve precise patterning on semiconductor wafers. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like equipment engineers and process integration specialists. Staying up-to-date with the latest lithography technologies and maintaining rigorous process controls can help address these issues, ensuring high yields and efficient production.

What are popular job titles related to Lithography Process Engineer jobs in California?

For Lithography Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lithography Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,813 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Lithography Process Engineer IV

Amat

Santa Clara, CA

$128K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$128,000.00 - $176,000.00

Location:

Albany,NY, Santa Clara,CA

You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.

Applied Materials, Inc. is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations Make Possible the technology shaping the future.

At Applied's CTO group, we focus on solid-state solutions for quantum technology, i.e. superconducting qubits and optical quantum computing. Our primary objective is to collaborate with system companies and universities to develop quantum devices with significantly lower error rates compared to current standards. Our approach centers on harnessing state of the art materials engineering and semiconductor processing, as well as our expertise in advanced (metasurface-based) optics to enhance device performance.

To achieve this goal, we're seeking a passionate technologist and experience lithography engineer with strong semiconductor background to develop process and device integration solutions for emerging markets and new technology inflection on quantum information. We value our people and teams who turn possibilities into reality. We are deeply committed to fostering a Culture of Inclusion where every person knows they belong, feels empowered to bring their whole self to work, and is inspired to grow.

Responsibilities

  • Optimize lithography process on DUV scanner and conduct troubleshooting
  • Familiar with mask layout design and basic knowledge of OPC
  • Familiar with CDSEM recipe creation and optimization
  • Create process, module, and device integration solutions for different platforms and quantum structures
  • Work with advanced packaging, process, hardware, and metrology team to develop new lithography process for quantum devices
  • Work with different teams including external vendors to develop new materials, processes, and structures for quantum devices
  • Design, collect data, analyze and compile reports on a variety of difficult process engineering experiments, within safety guidelines
  • Troubleshoot a variety of complex problems, perform Root Cause Analysis and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering issues
  • Generate internal and external documentation for products, presentations and technical reports
  • Design and conduct experiments, measure material and device properties and interpret data
  • Keep up to date with the latest advancements in device integration, quantum information, and related fields to continually implement new technologies, enhance approaches, and develop methodologies
  • Collaborate with customers, start-ups, or universities to identify key problems and develop enabling solutions

Functional Knowledge

  • Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines
  • Familiar with lithography and scanner operations
  • Familiar with key CMOS modules/processes/flow

Business Expertise

  • Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

  • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Problem Solving

  • Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Impact

  • Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies
  • Explore new growth area leveraging Applied's expertise in precision material engineering

Interpersonal Skills

  • Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Skills:

Certifications:

Languages:

Years of Experience: 7-10 Years

Work Experience:

  • 7-10 years of hands-on experience in semiconductor industry
  • Lithography process
  • Film and metrology tools
  • Layout design with Python, MATLAB or equivalent, will be a plus

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.