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Microelectronic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CHAOS Industries

Production Technician

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other team members to communicate findings, provide feedback, and contribute to the continuous improvement of microelectronics systems. * Safety and ...

CHAOS Industries

Production Technician

El Segundo, CA

$18.25 - $23/hr

Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other team members to communicate findings, provide feedback, and contribute to the continuous improvement of microelectronics systems. * Safety and ...

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All JobsMicroelectronic Engineer JobsMicroelectronic Engineer Jobs in California

Microelectronic Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$37

$59

How much do microelectronic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for microelectronic engineer in California is $37.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $45.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Microelectronic Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectMicroelectronic EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Microelectronics, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or similar
Work EnvironmentSemiconductor fabs, R&D labs, electronics manufacturingPower plants, electronics design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageSemiconductor industry, consumer electronics, integrated circuitsEnergy, telecommunications, electronics systems

Microelectronic Engineers focus on designing and developing tiny electronic components like integrated circuits, often working in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and larger electronic devices. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are microelectronic engineers?

Microelectronic engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test tiny electronic components and systems, such as integrated circuits, microchips, and semiconductors. These engineers work at the forefront of technology, enabling advancements in computers, smartphones, medical devices, and other electronic equipment. Their work often involves using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools and collaborating with other engineers to create smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic products. Microelectronic engineers are employed in industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, and healthcare.

What are some common challenges microelectronic engineers face when working on integrated circuit design projects?

Microelectronic engineers frequently encounter challenges such as managing the trade-off between performance, power consumption, and chip area during integrated circuit (IC) design projects. Meeting tight deadlines while ensuring high reliability and manufacturability of the designs can also be demanding. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving fabrication technologies and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including layout designers, test engineers, and process engineers—are essential parts of the role. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering successful IC solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microelectronic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microelectronic Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, semiconductor physics, and circuit design, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with EDA tools like Cadence, Mentor Graphics, and proficiency in languages such as VHDL or Verilog are typically required, along with knowledge of cleanroom protocols. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital for developing reliable, innovative microelectronic devices and ensuring successful collaboration in multidisciplinary environments.
Microelectronic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microelectronic Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,448 per year, or $37.7 per hour.
Director, Microelectronics

Director, Microelectronics

Design West Technologies, Inc.

Tustin, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

For more than a decade, Design West Technologies Inc. has served as a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that protect our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next chapter, we are blending our deep-rooted defense heritage with a start-up culture designed to take advantage of the current DoD landscape. Operating out of our advanced facilities in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an ambitious, forward-thinking Director of Microelectronics to champion this cultural evolution and lead the aggressive scaling of our high-reliability Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) production. The successful candidate will spearhead our transition toward insourcing comprehensive bare board fabrication and drive increased throughput and production capacity.

While this position demands the speed, adaptability, and entrepreneurship of a tech start-up, it requires uncompromising adherence to rigorous military standards and traditional defense contracting compliance. The Director will ensure all microelectronics operations strictly conform to AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR regulations, and NIST protocols, maintaining the secure supply chain environments and cleanroom certifications essential for defense-grade hardware. Candidates must possess a proven track record of leadership, ability to inspire, problem-solve and have an inherent desire to build.

Key Responsibilities

  • Secure Operations Management: Oversee all SMT and through-hole production while strictly enforcing ITAR controls and data security policies on the manufacturing floor.
  • High-Reliability Leadership: Build and direct highly vetted team of engineers and technicians, ensuring 100% adherence to IPC-A-610 Class 3 (Aerospace and Military) standards.
  • Budget & P&L Ownership: Manage capital expenditure and operational budgets, optimizing yield rates for complex, low-volume, high-mix defense contracts.
  • AS9100 Compliance: Serve as the executive authority for AS9100 aerospace quality management systems, leading regulatory audits and ensuring complete component traceability.
  • Defense Client Relations: Be the face of microelectronics and partner with program management, defense agencies and contractors while executing facility walk-throughs, technical reviews, production and product qualification phases.
  • Risk & Counterfeit Mitigation: Implement rigorous inspection processes to prevent the introduction of counterfeit components into the defense supply chain.

Qualifications

  • U.S. Security Clearance: Must possess U.S. Security Clearance or be capable of obtaining and maintaining a U.S. Department of Defense Security Clearance.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience specifically within a defense contractor or aerospace electronics environment.
  • Regulatory Expertise: Deep, verifiable experience managing operations under ITAR regulations and AS9100 quality systems.
  • Technical Standards: Mastery of IPC-A-610 Class 3, J-STD-001 Space Addendum, and automated testing protocols (e.g., X-ray, flying probe, functional testing).

Why Join Us?

You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by protecting the infrastructure that supports mission-critical defense programs. Working alongside talented engineers and technology professionals, you'll help strengthen our cybersecurity posture, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect those who protect us. EEO employer including veterans & individuals with disabilities.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro