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Plasma Etch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Micron

Dry Etch Process Develop Engineer

New York, NY

$107K - $182K/yr

As a Dry Etch Process Engineer you will develop, integrate, and optimize plasma etch processes that enable next-generation memory devices. You will work hands-on with etch equipment, chamber hardware ...

Micron

Dry Etch Process Develop Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$107K - $182K/yr

As a Dry Etch Process Engineer you will develop, integrate, and optimize plasma etch processes that enable next-generation memory devices. You will work hands-on with etch equipment, chamber hardware ...

Raytheon

Plasma Etch Engineer

Mckinney, TX · On-site

Experience in plasma etch processes and equipment * Manufacturing experience with surface mount technology (SMT) and microelectronics and automated assembly equipment * Statistical Process Control ...

Raytheon

Plasma Etch Engineer

Mckinney, TX

Experience in plasma etch processes and equipment * Manufacturing experience with surface mount technology (SMT) and microelectronics and automated assembly equipment * Statistical Process Control ...

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How much do plasma etch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma etch in the United States is $21.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are plasma etch technicians?

Plasma etch technicians are specialized professionals who operate and maintain plasma etching equipment used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and microelectronic devices. They set up machines that use plasma—a highly energized gas—to precisely remove materials from silicon wafers, creating intricate patterns required for electronic circuits. Their responsibilities include monitoring processes, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the quality and consistency of etched products. Plasma etch technicians typically work in cleanroom environments and must follow strict safety and cleanliness protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by plasma etch technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Plasma etch technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining process consistency, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Variations in materials or equipment performance can affect etch results, requiring careful monitoring and documentation. Effective communication with process engineers and maintenance teams is crucial for resolving issues quickly. Continuous training and attention to detail help technicians stay current with evolving technologies and best practices in semiconductor manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plasma Etch Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plasma Etch Technician, you need a background in semiconductor manufacturing, attention to detail, and knowledge of vacuum and plasma processes, typically supported by an associate's degree or relevant technical training. Familiarity with plasma etching tools (such as RIE and ICP systems), cleanroom protocols, and statistical process control software is essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you identify and resolve process issues while collaborating with engineers and other technicians. These abilities are crucial for maintaining high-quality production, minimizing defects, and ensuring efficient operation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Plasma Etch vs Plasma Technician?

AspectPlasma EtchPlasma Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, associate degree often preferredTechnical certifications, associate degree often required
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, semiconductor manufacturing facilitiesCleanroom, semiconductor or electronics manufacturing facilities
Job FocusOperating plasma etching equipment to pattern materialsMaintaining, troubleshooting plasma etching equipment and processes
Industry UsageSemiconductor, electronics, nanotechnologySemiconductor, electronics, research labs

Both roles involve working with plasma etching equipment in high-tech manufacturing environments. Plasma Etch specialists primarily focus on executing etching processes, while Plasma Technicians handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring equipment performance. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the semiconductor industry.

More about Plasma Etch jobs
What states have the most Plasma Etch jobs? States with the most job openings for Plasma Etch jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plasma Etch jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plasma Etch jobs are:
Plasma Etch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plasma Etch job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,624 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Module Process Engineer IV - (E4) - Plasma Etch

Module Process Engineer IV - (E4) - Plasma Etch

Applied Materials

Boise, ID • On-site

$116K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Applied Materials rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 516 rated manufacturers

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:
$116,000.00 - $159,500.00
Location:
Boise,ID
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.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead technical discussions with customers to understand High Value Problems (HVPs) and define, propose, and implement Continuous Improvement Projects (CIPs).
  • Capture and institutionalize learnings to maximize service opportunities and deliver measurable improvements to customer KPIs.
  • Increase Customer Service Agreement (CSA) value through defect reduction, variability reduction, cost-of-ownership (COO) improvement, preventive maintenance optimization, process Cpk improvement, tool matching, and output optimization.
  • Identify and drive opportunities for CSA renewal, upsell, and penetration.
  • Demonstrate and lead adoption of new service technologies, including FabVantage offerings, through customer demos, on-site evaluations, and Joint Development Programs (JDPs).
  • Resolve complex equipment and process issues using advanced analytics, equipment and process expertise, and systematic troubleshooting methodologies to perform effective root cause diagnosis.
  • Generate comprehensive technical reports and present findings to customers, including prioritization and recommendations based on analysis of Bill of Materials (BOM), Equipment Constants (EC), tool sensor data, on-wafer results, and benchmarking across products.
  • Serve as a technical authority in plasma etch, providing guidance on integration, yield, and manufacturability challenges.
  • Mentor and lead junior-level MPEs, providing technical direction, coaching, and knowledge transfer.

Functional & Technical Knowledge
  • Recognized technical expert with deep process engineering experience in plasma etch technologies and strong Wafer Fab background.
  • In-depth knowledge of hardware and processes across one or more plasma etch areas; experience with two or more technologies strongly preferred.
  • Domain knowledge of four or more processes spanning two or more technologies.
  • Must have strong data analytics capability to analyze complex process, yield, and equipment issues.
  • Broad understanding of adjacent disciplines with advanced integration knowledge considered a strong plus.

Business & Leadership Competencies
  • Interprets internal and external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, and services.
  • Leads functional teams or projects with moderate complexity, risk, and resource requirements.
  • Drives complex problem solving using advanced analytical judgment and innovative solution development.
  • Impacts customer, operational, project, and service objectives while operating within established functional policies.
  • Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and effectively; negotiates and influences stakeholders, often at senior levels, to adopt new approaches or solutions.

Qualifications
  • BS in Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry (or equivalent).
  • 7+ years of experience in plasma etch process engineering.
  • Strong Wafer Fab and semiconductor equipment experience.
  • Proven technical expertise in plasma etch unit processes and Wafer Fab operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas, anticipate objections, and persuade senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel domestically as assigned <50% per month depending on customer project support.

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 25% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
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.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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