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Lithography Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lumilens

Sr. Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$121K - $157K/yr

Senior-level experience in semiconductor process engineering, process development, or process ... Hands-on experience with wet or dry etching, coating, thin films, deposition, lithography ...

Amat

Etch Process Engineer V - (E5)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$163K - $224K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing ... Partners with other groups, including lithography and deposition to develop and implement new ...

Lumilens Inc.

Sr. Process Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Senior‑level experience in semiconductor process engineering, process development, or process ... Hands‑on experience with wet or dry etching, coating, thin films, deposition, lithography ...

Semtech

Technician 3, Production

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

Work closely with process engineers to maintain stable lithography operations. * Process Module Ownership and Fab Support (10%): * Own and manage assigned process modules within the wafer fabrication ...

Semtech

Technician 3, Production

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

Work closely with process engineers to maintain stable lithography operations. * Process Module Ownership and Fab Support (10%): * Own and manage assigned process modules within the wafer fabrication ...

Semtech

Technician 3, Production

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.75/hr

Work closely with process engineers to maintain stable lithography operations. * Process Module Ownership and Fab Support (10%): * Own and manage assigned process modules within the wafer fabrication ...

Teledyne

Wafer Fab Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

... 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 ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Wafer Fab Process Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

... 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 ...

KLA-Belgium

Applications Engineering Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$127 - $216/hr

Demonstrated expertise in reticle manufacturing, reticle inspection, lithography, process control, or optical inspection technologies.* Proven experience leading Applications Engineering, Product ...

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All JobsLithography Process Engineer JobsLithography Process Engineer Jobs in California

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Lithography Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lithography Process Engineer jobs in California are:

Lithography Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lithography Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% 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.

Sr. Process Engineer

Lumilens

San Jose, CA • On-site

$121K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

ABOUT LUMILENS
At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow's AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient.
We're a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who've built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn't incremental innovation, it's a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You'll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every decision you make will directly influence how we build, source, and deliver the infrastructure of tomorrow.
If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We're just getting started.
The Role
As Generative AI continues to accelerate, the demands on data center infrastructure are shifting from individual chips to tightly integrated systems of chips. At Lumilens, our Photonic technology is redefining interconnect performance with dramatically higher bandwidth, better energy efficiency, and greater scalability. In this role, you will drive process development for novel III-V etching, coating, and related fabrication modules that enable next-generation photonic systems. You will translate product requirements into process requirements, define the tooling and metrology needed to execute, and institutionalize repeatable processes that can scale from development into manufacturing.
Responsibilities
  • Drive process development for novel III-V etching, coating, and related semiconductor fabrication modules in support of Lumilens' advanced photonics platform.
  • Translate product and device requirements into clear process requirements, specifications, control plans, and acceptance criteria.
  • Define process tooling needs, including equipment capability, process windows, fixturing, materials, and vendor requirements.
  • Design, execute, and manage DOEs to optimize etch profiles, coating performance, process repeatability, yield, and manufacturability.
  • Define metrology requirements, measurement methods, inspection strategy, and outsourcing approach for process development and qualification.
  • Evaluate and select tooling, vendors, and external partners based on technical capability, commercial considerations, scalability, and long-term process ownership.
  • Institutionalize new tools and processes through documentation, process flows, work instructions, engineering reports, and training materials.
  • Support assessment of silicon photonics processing flows, including process compatibility, integration risks, yield-limiting factors, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborate with device, photonics, packaging, manufacturing, and external fab partners to troubleshoot process issues and drive corrective actions.

Guidelines
  • Senior-level experience in semiconductor process engineering, process development, or process integration, ideally with III-V materials, silicon photonics, compound semiconductors, or photonic devices.
  • Hands-on experience with wet or dry etching, coating, thin films, deposition, lithography, metrology, or related cleanroom fabrication processes.
  • Ability to define process requirements from product requirements and translate technical needs into executable process flows, specifications, and control plans.
  • Strong working knowledge of DOE design, process characterization, statistical analysis, capability studies, and data-driven process optimization.
  • Experience defining metrology methods and working with internal or outsourced metrology resources such as SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, optical inspection, or similar techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate, select, and qualify tooling based on process performance, vendor capability, cost, schedule, serviceability, and scalability.
  • Experience documenting and institutionalizing new processes, including process flows, recipes, work instructions, qualification reports, and lessons learned.
  • Familiarity with silicon photonics processing, heterogeneous integration, or III-V to SiPh process interfaces is highly valuable.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills in a fast-paced development environment.

Why Join Us?
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance
• Professional development opportunities and certification support
• Access to cutting-edge photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams solving complex challenges
Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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