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Semiconductor Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aptino

Senior Semiconductor Packaging Engineer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Senior Semiconductor Packaging Engineer 📍 Morgan Hill, CA -- Onsite 💼 Full-Time | Direct Hire We are looking for an experienced Semiconductor Packaging Engineer to support the development and ...

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Semiconductor Engineer information

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$37.5K

$89.4K

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How much do semiconductor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor engineer in California is $89,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a semiconductor engineer do?

A Semiconductor Engineer designs, develops, and tests semiconductor devices such as microchips and integrated circuits used in electronic systems. They work on material selection, fabrication processes, and performance optimization to enhance efficiency and reliability. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams in research, manufacturing, and quality control to ensure high-performance semiconductor products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a semiconductor engineer?

To excel as a Semiconductor Engineer, you need a strong foundation in electrical engineering, materials science, and semiconductor physics, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD tools, semiconductor fabrication equipment, and industry-standard simulation software like SPICE or TCAD is often required, along with certifications such as Six Sigma being a plus. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent collaboration and communication skills help you navigate complex projects and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the successful design, development, and optimization of semiconductor devices in a highly technical and rapidly evolving industry.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for a semiconductor engineer?

Semiconductor Engineers often begin their careers in entry-level design, manufacturing, or testing roles and can advance to senior engineer or technical lead positions with experience. Many professionals progress to specialized areas, such as process engineering, device modeling, or applications engineering, while others may transition into project management or R&D leadership roles. Career advancement frequently depends on gaining experience, pursuing further education or certifications, and developing expertise in emerging technologies. The semiconductor industry also offers opportunities to work in various settings, including large corporations, innovative startups, and research institutions, providing diverse paths for professional growth.

Are semiconductor engineers paid well?

Semiconductor engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of circuit design, fabrication processes, and industry tools. Salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but generally reflect the high demand for expertise in semiconductor technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Semiconductor Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Semiconductor Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Semiconductor Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Semiconductor Engineer job openings:

Semiconductor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,353 per year, or $43 per hour.

Design Engineer (Semiconductor Machinery Hardware)

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

DESIGN ENGINEER (SEMICONDUCTOR MACHINERY HARDWARE)
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
Freeform is hiring a Design Engineer focused on semiconductor hardware to sit at the intersection of advanced part design and additive manufacturing. This is a deeply technical engineering role responsible for rethinking how semiconductor machinery hardware is conceived, designed, and produced. Not just adapting existing parts for a new process, but fundamentally reimagining what's possible when legacy design constraints no longer apply. You will work hands-on with some of the most precise and demanding hardware in the industry, identifying where Freeform's platform unlocks performance regimes, architectures, and geometries that were previously impractical or impossible.
The ideal candidate is a strong mechanical engineer with a deep intuition for part design and an intimate understanding of semiconductor fabrication machinery and equipment. They understand semiconductor hardware at a component and systems level, can independently reason about manufacturability, materials, tolerances, and performance tradeoffs, and are excited by the creative challenge of designing parts from first principles. The core draw of this role is the engineering itself, though this person will also engage directly with some of the most sophisticated semiconductor engineering teams in the industry.
Responsibilities:
  • Drive part design and redesign across a broad range of semiconductor fabrication applications, including:
    • Wafer handling, robotic end-effectors, and vacuum-compatible armatures
    • Thermal management hardware and high-precision cold plates
    • Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers and internal components
    • Gas delivery manifolds and high-purity fluid systems
    • Lithography tool structural components and precision optics mounts
    • Pedestals and showerhead assemblies for deposition tools
  • Develop a deep understanding of component-level requirements, performance drivers, and system constraints within semiconductor fabrication equipment
  • Rethink part design from first principles, identifying where additive manufacturing enables new geometries, consolidated assemblies, improved performance, or reduced cost and lead time
  • Develop and evaluate design concepts with a strong command of materials, tolerances, thermal and structural behavior, and production considerations
  • Independently answer advanced technical questions related to design tradeoffs, process capabilities, qualification pathways, and production scalability
  • Work closely with internal engineering and operations teams to drive feasibility, refine concepts, and align on execution
  • Engage directly with customer engineering teams to understand application requirements, present design solutions, and build technical credibility
  • Identify and pursue new application spaces where Freeform's technology can deliver step-change improvements over conventional manufacturing
  • Provide field-informed feedback to shape Freeform's product, process, and technology roadmap

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering role within the semiconductor equipment or fabrication industry
  • Strong intuition for part design, design-for-manufacturing, and how component geometry relates to performance and producibility
  • Systems-level understanding of complex semiconductor fabrication hardware and how components function within larger assemblies

Nice to Have:
  • Experience designing or analyzing wafer handling systems, vacuum hardware, thermal management components, fluid delivery systems, or precision structural assemblies
  • Familiarity with metal manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, casting, forging, or advanced machining
  • Experience carrying hardware through development, qualification, and production ramp
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
  • Strong first-principles reasoning and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving problem spaces
  • Strategic thinker with an instinct for where technology can unlock the most value
  • Team player, positive attitude, growth mindset, integrity, accountability, adaptability, entrepreneurial, driven, results-oriented and ethical

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $120,000-$150,000, dependent on the candidate's academic level (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) and demonstrated out of classroom experience.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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