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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 ...

Group/Division With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production ...

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 ...

Senior Power Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$97K - $162K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Power Electronics, Semiconductor Engineering, Electronic Packaging, or a closely related technical field. * 5+ of relevant industry experience in power ...

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 Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

Are semiconductor engineers paid well?

Semiconductor engineers typically earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required, such as knowledge of chip design, fabrication processes, and electronic testing. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and education, but overall, the role is considered well-compensated within the engineering field.

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 software. Their work typically involves collaboration in labs or cleanroom environments and may require specialized certifications or training.

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 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, 7% Part Time, 2% 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.

Principal Semiconductor Product Engineer

Prattwhitney

Goleta, CA • On-site

$118 - $225/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-14 Country: United States of America Location: US-CA-GOLETA-B01 ~ 6825 Cortona Dr ~ BLDG B01 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling - to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) is a world leader in the research, design and manufacture of infrared and visible focal plane arrays and camera products, delivering for over forty years. Focal Plane Operations at Raytheon Vision Systems is searching for a Semiconductor Product Engineer with semiconductor wafer processing, team stakeholder and project management knowledge. The candidate will work within a multi-discipline team to develop advanced Sensor Chip Assemblies (SCAs) utilizing single and dual color HgCdTe/HCT, III/V (InSb, InGaAs, SLS, nBn and others) semiconductors or advanced micro-bolometer (uncooled) detector technologies. Specifically, this may include detector design, process development, manufacture and test of SCAs at the RVS Goleta wafer/SCA fabrication facility.

You Will Do
  • Developing small teams and working closely with Integrated Product Team Leads/Program Managers to ensure engineering requirements are defined and understood, risks/opportunities are managed, and schedules/budgets are met.
  • Work under limited supervision while exercising responsibility in choosing and meeting the technical, financial, and schedule targets of projects.
  • Preparing technical justification analysis reports as well as presenting to a variety of Engineering and Program Review Boards.
Qualifications
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience in Semiconductor Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering product management and/or Wafer Processing.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge and understanding of any of the following: HgCdTe, III/V semiconductor or micro-bolometer (uncooled) detector physics, wafer processing in a cleanroom environment.
  • Ability to understand and analyze data related to semiconductor device performance.
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Understanding of Process Yields and Analysis.
  • Experience with Bids and Proposals Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
  • Experience Familiarity and experience with device design and modeling instruments such as MATLAB.
What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Onsite Role Definition

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. This position is an onsite role - Goleta, CA: Visit RVS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zixvFAC2kA Explore Raytheon in Goleta: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-goleta-ca-location #LI-ONSITE #LI-NR1 As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

  • medical
  • dental
  • vision
  • life insurance
  • short-term disability
  • long-term disability
  • 401(k) match
  • flexible spending accounts
  • flexible work schedules
  • employee assistance program
  • Employee Scholar Program
  • parental leave
  • paid time off
  • holidays
  • annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
  • Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

Equal Opportunity

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy & Terms

Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses - Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US