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Plasma Cutter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RF/Plasma Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$119K - $220K/yr

We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. The impact you'll make As a RF/Plasma Engineer at Lam, you play a ...

RF/Plasma Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$119K - $220K/yr

We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. The impact you'll make As a RF/Plasma Engineer at Lam, you play a ...

Fabrication Welder

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Key Responsibilities (based on assignment): • Perform basic MIG welding, grinding, plasma cutting, and general fabrication to support component preparation • Pick, cut, and prepare materials ...

Senior Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Senior Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer Introduction to the job ASML US, including its affiliates ... Skills Working at the cutting edge of tech, you'll always have new challenges and new problems to ...

Welder

Hughson, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Ability to safely operate equipment (welder, torch, plasma cutter, grinder, material handling equipment) * Ability to distinguish the various thickness and type of material. * Must pass welding ...

Welder

Hughson, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Ability to safely operate equipment (welder, torch, plasma cutter, grinder, material handling equipment) * Ability to distinguish the various thickness and type of material. * Must pass welding ...

Welder

Hanford, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Use fabrication tools, including grinders, drills, saws, tape measures, power tools, air tools, and plasma cutters, to cut, shape, and prepare materials. * Install electrical wiring for dome lights ...

$32 - $40/hr

Weld prep components including working with band saw, lathe, plasma cutter. * NDE Testing includes Dye Penetrant, UT, and Helium Leak Detection. * Rig and manipulate parts for position welding.

Be Seen First

Cut, shape, and prepare materials using oxy-acetylene torches and plasma cutting equipment * Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings * Fabricate, assemble, join, and repair ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... RF/DC Plasma Systems; Plasma Sensing; Algorithm Development * 3-5 years of experience in ...

Showing results 21-40

Plasma Cutter information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$19

How much do plasma cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma cutter in California is $16.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plasma cutter?

Plasma cutters are skilled professionals who use specialized equipment to cut through electrically conductive materials such as steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. They operate plasma cutting torches, which generate a high-temperature plasma arc to melt and sever metal with precision. Plasma cutters are commonly employed in manufacturing, construction, automotive repair, and metal fabrication industries. Their work requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and knowledge of various cutting techniques to ensure clean, accurate cuts.

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

To thrive as a Plasma Cutter, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a keen eye for detail, and a solid understanding of fabrication drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plasma cutting machines, CNC systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like OSHA or welding credentials are often valued. Manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team set outstanding plasma cutters apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency in metal fabrication environments.

What are some common safety challenges faced by plasma cutters, and how are they typically addressed in the workplace?

Plasma cutters often encounter safety challenges such as exposure to intense heat, ultraviolet light, and metal fumes. Workplaces address these risks by providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmets, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and proper ventilation systems. Regular training on equipment handling and adherence to safety protocols are also standard practices. Being vigilant about maintaining a clean and organized workspace helps minimize accidents and ensures a safer environment for everyone on the team.

What is the difference between Plasma Cutter vs Welder?

AspectPlasma CutterWelder
Required CredentialsCertification in plasma cutting, technical trainingWelding certification (e.g., AWS), technical training
Work EnvironmentFabrication shops, construction sites, industrial settingsFabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageMetal cutting and fabricationMetal joining and assembly

Both Plasma Cutters and Welders work in metal fabrication environments and often require technical certifications. While Plasma Cutters focus on cutting metal with high-temperature plasma arcs, Welders join metals together through various welding techniques. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role in the metalworking industry.

How much does a plasma cutter make?

A plasma cutter operator typically earns between $35,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in industrial settings may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are popular job titles related to Plasma Cutter jobs in California?

For Plasma Cutter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plasma Cutter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Plasma Cutter jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Plasma Cutter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,849 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

RF/Plasma Engineer 3

Lam Research

Fremont, CA • On-site

$119K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The group you'll be a part of In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry. The impact you'll make As a RF/Plasma Engineer at Lam, you play a crucial role in designing, building, and troubleshooting cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) solutions for power delivery and plasma generation in our Etch and Deposition products.

You specialize in utilizing RF as a power source and creating innovative generator designs. Your work paves the way for new power sources to be used Lam's wafer fabrication equipment. What you'll do The RF EE designs, develops, modifies, and evaluates electronic parts, components or integrated circuitry for electronic equipment, or other hardware systems and/or electrical engineering applications.

Determines design approaches and parameters. Analyzes equipment to establish operating data, conducts experimental tests and evaluates results. Selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability.

May also review vendor capability to support product development. You will be responsible for performing professional electrical engineering research, design, development, modification, and evaluation in support of electrical and electro-mechanical systems/subsystems. You will work with a multidisciplinary engineering design team: electrical, mechanical, software, process, technical support, and suppliers, on the design, modification, of custom and OEM embedded systems components.

You will need to prepare and analyze test plans and procedures to assure that technical and operational requirements are met and properly demonstrated. You will be responsible for the collection and analysis of pertinent material and data in preparation of your presentation at design, project, and program reviews Who we're looking for Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience. Primarily responsible for design/selection, testing and documentation of RF delivery systems (100kHz to 100MHz; Watt to Kilowatt ranges).

Must have experience with complex RF measurement equipment (Power Meters, Network-, Impedance- and Spectrum Analyzers, etc.). Familiarity with high voltage (>1kV) design rules/practices DC - 100MHz is also desired. SPICE, LabView, MathCAD or MatLab, and analysis tools (i.e

- HFSS, Comsol, Microwave Studio) experience preferred. Experience in or fundamental knowledge of plasma processing, plasma sources and plasma loads is a plus. Excellent communication and presentation skills Outstanding analysis and trouble-shooting skills Ability to drive functional requirements and execute in a dynamic-teams environment Our commitment We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results. Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees. Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role.

Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

#LI-JK1 Salary CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $119,000.00 - $220,000.00. The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role

Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors. Our Perks and Benefits At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.


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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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