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Principal Process Engineer Dry Etch information

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$87K

$150.1K

$182.5K

How much do principal process engineer dry etch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal process engineer dry etch in the United States is $150,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal process engineer dry etch do?

A Principal Process Engineer specializing in Dry Etch is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the dry etching processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They lead process improvement projects, troubleshoot complex issues, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure high yield and quality. Their role involves using advanced equipment and techniques to precisely remove material from semiconductor wafers, enabling the creation of intricate circuit patterns. They also mentor junior engineers and help establish best practices within the fab.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal process engineer dry etch?

A Principal Process Engineer Dry Etch needs deep expertise in semiconductor process engineering, particularly in dry etch techniques, supported by a degree in engineering or physical sciences and significant industry experience. Mastery of process control systems, advanced metrology tools, and familiarity with cleanroom operations are essential, along with certifications like Six Sigma being advantageous. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help drive process improvements and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring high product yield, and maintaining technological competitiveness in semiconductor fabrication.

What are some common challenges faced by principal process engineers in dry etch, and how can they be addressed?

Principal Process Engineers in Dry Etch often encounter challenges such as maintaining process stability, optimizing etch profiles for new device architectures, and reducing defectivity in high-volume manufacturing. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with equipment engineers, R&D teams, and production staff to fine-tune recipes and troubleshoot equipment issues. Staying current with advancements in etch chemistries and plasma technologies, as well as leveraging data analytics for process monitoring, can also help overcome these challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Process Engineer Dry Etch jobs?

For Principal Process Engineer Dry Etch jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Process Engineer - Dry Etch

Temecula, CA • On-site

Ignite Human Capital
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Ignite Human Capitalexternal

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with engineering teams to run experiments and tune dry etch processes for fab operation

  • Interpret metrology results, summarize findings, and report to support process development and device performance

  • Sustain and improve wafer fabrication processes, including recipe creation, inspection, defect control, and process monitoring

Job description

Process Engineer – Dry Etch

San Diego / Riverside, CA

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 DOE

About the Role

We're seeking a Dry Etch Process Engineer to support the development of manufacturable, repeatable, and high-yielding processes for advanced, highly specialized devices spanning aerospace, defense, bioelectronics, and high-speed communications. This is a hands-on role at the leading edge of silicon photonics, where your work directly shapes the performance and quality of next-generation product lines.

What You'll Do

  • Collaborate with integration engineers, customers, and development engineers to run experiments and tune processes for fab operation
  • Work alongside product engineering and integration teams to ensure smooth new product/process introductions and consistent device performance
  • Guide and support process technicians through complex process steps
  • Interpret metrology results and disposition lots against defined pass/fail criteria
  • Summarize and report metrology findings, advising the integration and process development teams
  • Deliver clear shift pass-downs to keep dry etch operations running without interruption
  • Sustain and continuously improve wafer fabrication processes
  • Partner with equipment engineering, operations, and management to strengthen cycle time, tool availability, quality, and yield
  • Maintain working knowledge of all applicable codes and standards for assigned equipment using document control, work instructions, and manufacturing execution systems (MES)
  • Ensure manufactured products meet specification and application requirements
  • Resolve technical deviations by forming hypotheses, designing validating experiments, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, documenting improvements, and training operations
  • Sustain established processes across RIE, DRIE, MRIE, ICP, microwave ashing, TCP, DRM, and barrel etching — including recipe creation, inspection, defect control, and standard metrology (e.g., ellipsometry, profilometry)
  • Author and maintain operating specifications for production processes and equipment
  • Monitor process health via Statistical Process Control (SPC) and act on out-of-control events per established action plans

What You'll Bring

  • Fab experience in dry etch processing using RIE, DRIE, MRIE, ICP, and microwave ashing
  • Working experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Comfort with data extraction, analysis, and reporting
  • Foundational understanding of semiconductor processing and algebraic concepts
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems and drive to root cause
  • Understanding of the maintenance activities needed to keep a process healthy and repeatable
  • Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple overlapping tasks against deadlines
  • Hands-on capability to operate processing tools, write and run dry etch recipes, inspect wafers under a microscope, and perform particle/defect and thickness/uniformity characterization
  • Availability for offset shifts — Front-End Days (Sun–Thu) or Back-End Days (Tue–Sat)
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field + 9 years; MS + 7 years; or PhD + 4 years

Competencies

Hands-on mindset · strong communication · collaboration · quick learner · strong interpersonal skills · self-starter · prioritization · accountability · innovation

Work Environment

More than 80% of the work takes place in the fab — a temperature-controlled cleanroom requiring full-body gowning, over-boots, over-hood, safety glasses, and additional PPE. Expect frequent gowning/de-gowning, potential exposure to hazardous materials, and an environment with static noise and both auditory and visual alarms.

Physical Demands

  • Prolonged periods (up to ~3 hours) stationary, seated, standing, or walking the fab
  • Extended computer monitor viewing
  • Occasional pushing/pulling and lifting of 50+ lb objects (e.g., tool components), with occasional short carries
  • Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and stooping to access tools
  • Repetitive wrist/hand/finger motions; work in tight or confined spaces
  • Fine and gross motor handling for carrying cassettes and lot boxes
  • Constant PPE use

Compensation

Total compensation includes base salary plus overtime eligibility for non-exempt roles, along with a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), company-paid life and disability, paid holidays and vacation, and more).

Work Authorization / ITAR

This position sits at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be "U.S. persons" as defined by ITAR — a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), political asylee, or refugee.

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