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Semiconductor Characterization Jobs in California

Semiconductor R&D Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

We are seeking an R&D engineer with a strong experimental-science background to advance eProbe semiconductor inspection tools through hands-on characterization, data analysis, and algorithm ...

Position Summary Execute TPV cell and module characterization at Antora's TPV R&D and manufacturing ... Experience with photovoltaic or semiconductor devices and with reliability / accelerated aging ...

R&D Quality & Reliability Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $151K/yr

Proficiency in device, chip and circuit reliability, design for reliability, design for test, and semiconductor characterization. Partner with design team to development qualification test and stress ...

Showing results 41-60

Semiconductor Characterization information

See California salary details

$28.9K

$87.5K

$152.8K

How much do semiconductor characterization jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor characterization in California is $87,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,284.00 and $112,121.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a semiconductor characterization?

A Semiconductor Characterization job involves testing and analyzing the electrical, optical, and material properties of semiconductor devices to ensure performance and reliability. Professionals in this role use advanced lab equipment such as probe stations, parameter analyzers, and oscilloscopes to measure key characteristics like mobility, carrier concentration, and defect density. Their work is crucial for optimizing fabrication processes, validating device designs, and troubleshooting issues in semiconductor manufacturing.

What does a semiconductor characterization do?

In a Semiconductor Characterization role, your daily tasks often include preparing test setups, performing electrical and physical measurements on semiconductor devices, and analyzing the resulting data to assess performance or reliability. You'll collaborate closely with design engineers and process technologists to interpret test results and troubleshoot any anomalies. Documentation of procedures, maintaining test equipment, and sometimes developing automated test routines are also common responsibilities. This role typically involves both hands-on lab work and detailed data analysis to support ongoing product development and improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in semiconductor characterization?

To thrive in Semiconductor Characterization, you need a strong background in materials science, electrical engineering, or physics, along with experience in device testing and data analysis. Proficiency with tools such as semiconductor parameter analyzers, probing stations, and characterization software like LabVIEW or MATLAB is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate device evaluation, efficient troubleshooting, and the reliable reporting of test results in semiconductor development environments.

What are popular job titles related to Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California?

For Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Characterization jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Semiconductor Characterization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,513 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Semiconductor Device Modeling Engineer

Malibu, CA • On-site

HRL Laboratories, LLC
Scientific Research and Development Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories advances critical structural and functional materials and semiconductor devices that enable precision navigation, quantum technologies and extreme-environment performance. With expertise from design through deployment, we deliver scalable, high-performance solutions that transform our customers’ missions. Our work leverages digital manufacturing and scalable microfabrication techniques to meet tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

HRL Laboratories is looking for a creative and motivated device modeling engineer to join a world-class team of scientists and engineers developing next-generation technologies. In this role, you will push on the frontier of understanding quantum control and transport in semiconductor devices, working in tight feedback loops with fabrication and test efforts. You will utilize both commercial and proprietary device simulation tools to model state-of‑the‑art electronic technologies like FinFETs and gate‑all‑around transistors, as well as design and analyze a variety of other classical and quantum nanodevices, including semiconductor spin qubits. Particular areas of focus include understanding semiclassical and quantum transport, electrostatic integrity, and response to device stressors such as heat and strain to predict and optimize performance and interpret experimental data.

Required Skills:
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline
  • Experience with commercial semiconductor TCAD (technology computer‑aided design) tools such as Sentaurus Device and Process as well as general purpose multiphysics simulation software (such as COMSOL)
  • Expertise in fundamental theory and computational modeling of the electronic, optical, thermal, and magnetic properties of semiconductor materials and devices. Experience with commercial multiphysics simulation software
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with fellow team members, present ideas and results in technical presentations, and contribute to written research reports
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience developing and applying semiclassical and quantum transport techniques for semiconductor devices such as the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and non‑equilibrium Green’s functions (NEGF)
  • Background in collaborative code development utilizing multiple computer languages, including C++ and Python. Applied knowledge of numerical analysis and scientific computing techniques, including high‑performance computing platforms
  • Detailed understanding of semiconductor fabrication and characterization techniques, such as epitaxial growth, lithography, electrical characterization, optical spectroscopy, and/or microscopy
  • Strong understanding of semiconductor process flow, layout, and basic circuit design/simulation
  • Experience in device design for extreme environments such as cryogenic, radiation, or high temperature
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to spend extended periods of time at a computer monitor.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with other team members
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills
Special Requirements:
  • US Person Status
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Pay Range: $140,700 - $175,950
  • Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
  • For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

For our privacy policy please visit: www.hrl.com/privacy

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