1

Semiconductor Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Failure Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

This hybrid role sits at the intersection of software engineering, data infrastructure, semiconductor development, and production tooling - building and sustaining the intelligent platforms and ...

Perform semiconductor engineering research, design, development, and testing for firm products and devices in conjunction with product development for the electronic communications industry. * Drive ...

New

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Hands-on experience applying AI to real-world semiconductor engineering problems. * Deep exposure to the full silicon lifecycle - from design validation through high-volume manufacturing.

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Hands-on experience applying AI to real-world semiconductor engineering problems. * Deep exposure to the full silicon lifecycle - from design validation through high-volume manufacturing.

Senior Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$170K - $208K/yr

Perform semiconductor engineering research, design, development, and testing for firm products and devices in conjunction with product development for the electronic communications industry.

New

Engineer

San Jose, CA

$160K - $208K/yr

Perform semiconductor engineering research, design, development, and/or testing for firm products and/or devices for use in the electronic communication industry. * Design and document major units in ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Semiconductor Engineering information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$64.9K

$81.9K

How much do semiconductor engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for semiconductor engineering in California is $64,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is semiconductor engineering?

Semiconductor engineering is a specialized field focused on the design, development, and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, such as microchips and transistors, which are essential components in electronic devices. Engineers in this field work on creating and improving the materials, processes, and technologies used to produce integrated circuits and other semiconductor components. Their work is critical to advancements in computers, smartphones, automotive technology, and many other electronic systems. Semiconductor engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges and drive innovation in the electronics industry.

What do semiconductor engineers do?

Semiconductor engineers design, develop, and test semiconductor devices and integrated circuits used in electronic equipment. They work with materials, fabrication processes, and testing tools to improve chip performance and reliability, often requiring knowledge of physics, chemistry, and engineering principles. Their work environment typically includes laboratories and cleanrooms, and they may use CAD software and testing equipment as part of their job.

What is the difference between Semiconductor Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectSemiconductor EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Semiconductor, Electrical, or Electronics EngineeringBachelor's or higher in Electrical, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentCleanrooms, labs, manufacturing facilities focused on chip design and fabricationOffices, labs, and field sites working on electrical systems, power, and circuitry
Industry UsagePrimarily in semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, and fabrication companiesBroadly used across power, electronics, telecommunications, and automation industries

Semiconductor Engineering specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, often within cleanroom environments. Electrical Engineering covers a wider range of electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Semiconductor Engineering focuses specifically on chip technology and fabrication processes, making it a more specialized field within the broader electrical engineering domain.

What are some common challenges semiconductor engineers face when working on new chip designs?

Semiconductor engineers often encounter challenges such as managing the complexity of integrating millions or even billions of transistors on a single chip while ensuring performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability. Meeting tight project deadlines and rapidly evolving industry standards can also be demanding. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including design, verification, and manufacturing engineers—is essential to identify and resolve issues early in the design cycle. Additionally, adapting to new process technologies and troubleshooting unexpected fabrication or performance problems are routine aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Semiconductor Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD tools, circuit simulation software, and semiconductor fabrication processes is essential, along with certifications like Six Sigma or IPC standards being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable semiconductor devices, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Semiconductor Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Semiconductor Engineering jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Semiconductor Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Semiconductor Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Semiconductor Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Semiconductor Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Semiconductor Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,862 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Senior Engineering Manager

Azbil North America, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

Description:

Summary

The Engineering Manager leads engineering execution and project activities for semiconductor OEM customers and strategic accounts. This role is responsible for driving new product introduction (NPI), managing engineering processes, and ensuring the successful delivery of technical solutions aligned with customer requirements, development schedules, and business objectives. The position requires close collaboration with customer engineering organizations and internal cross-functional teams to support product development, resolve technical challenges, and contribute to long-term product and technology development.

Essential Functions

  • Lead and manage engineering activities for customer projects, including development, qualification, and production phases
  • Drive new product introduction (NPI) and support product lifecycle management activities
  • Investigate customer technical requirements, applications, development roadmaps, and future technology needs
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customer engineering teams, including equipment, process, and R&D engineers
  • Lead technical discussions with customers to understand specifications, applications, project goals, and engineering challenges
  • Develop and deliver engineering solutions aligned with customer requirements and internal product capabilities
  • Plan, manage, and monitor development schedules to ensure alignment with project timelines, milestones, and customer expectations
  • Manage engineering changes, documentation (drawings, specifications, BOMs), and configuration control processes
  • Identify, analyze, and resolve technical issues and risks throughout the project lifecycle
  • Coordinate cross-functional activities among engineering, sales, operations, quality, and production teams
  • Support product validation, qualification, and customer acceptance processes
  • Collect and communicate customer feedback, technical insights, and market trends to support product improvements and future development
  • Ensure adherence to engineering processes, standards, and best practices while driving continuous improvement
  • Mentor engineering members and contribute to team capability development and knowledge sharing
  • Other duties as assigned.


Work Environment / Work Location

  • This is a full-time, office-based position. The role involves the use of standard office equipment such as computers and communication tools.
  • The position requires close collaboration with internal teams and frequent participation in cross-functional meetings to support project execution and engineering deliverables. Regular interaction with customer engineering organizations—including equipment engineers, process engineers, R&D teams, and technical stakeholders—is expected to ensure alignment on requirements, development activities, and technical solutions.
  • Occasional customer visits and technical discussions may be required as part of project support and engineering collaboration.


General Requirements

  • Hands-on experience working with semiconductor equipment manufacturers or in a related engineering environment
  • Strong communication, technical writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts
  • Ability to engage effectively with customer engineering teams and internal stakeholders
  • Proven capability in project planning, execution, and coordination within engineering environments
  • Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and proactive communication with management and cross-functional teams
  • Solid PDCA-based problem-solving skills, planning capability, adaptability, and structured reporting practices
  • Self-driven, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to handle complex technical challenges independently
  • Understanding of product development processes, including NPI, engineering change management, and documentation control
  • · Knowledge of semiconductor applications, customer requirements, and industry trends
  • Strong cross-functional coordination skills across engineering, operations, quality, and sales organizations
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to lead initiatives and drive improvements when needed
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project/management collaboration tools such as Teams, SharePoint, Project, Planner, and Power BI


Travel

Travel as needed to support strategic accounts



Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, with 7–10 years of experience in semiconductor engineering, product development, or related technical roles



Specific Requirements

  • Strong understanding of semiconductor OEM development processes, organization structures, and decision-making workflows
  • Experience working with semiconductor equipment manufacturers, including engagement with engineering teams on development, qualification, and production activities
  • Working knowledge of sensing and control technologies (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, vacuum) applied in semiconductor equipment and manufacturing processes
  • Understanding of product development lifecycles, including NPI, qualification processes, and engineering change management
  • Knowledge of semiconductor applications, customer technical requirements, and industry trends
  • Familiarity with semiconductor OEMs such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, ASM, and similar companies is preferred
  • Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturers and foundries such as TSMC, Samsung, Intel, and Micron is an advantage
  • Ability to analyze technical challenges and propose practical engineering solutions aligned with customer and business needs
  • Understanding of competitive technologies, product positioning, and market adoption trends within the semiconductor industry


Other Duties

This job description is not intended to cover all responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.


We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requirements: