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Semiconductor Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor engineering, we partner with top semiconductor firms, cloud providers, and innovative startups to build intelligent AI agents. The company is a Series A ...

Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor engineering, we partner with top semiconductor firms, cloud providers, and innovative startups to build intelligent AI agents. The company is a Series A ...

This role is built for someone who has spent their career at the intersection of EDA, semiconductor engineering, and customer engagement. You know design tools, understand verification flows, and ...

This role is built for someone who has spent their career at the intersection of EDA, semiconductor engineering, and customer engagement. You know design tools, understand verification flows, and ...

... engineering support to deliver industry-leading semiconductor products. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor or Master degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline. 12+ years of ...

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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 9, 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.

Semiconductor Materials Section Manager 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Manhattan Beach, CA • On-site

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Semiconductor Materials group of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Semiconductor Materials Section Manager for Advanced Semiconductor Materials Development, reporting to the Department Manager for our Space Park Foundry (SPF). Located in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, we design, manufacture, and test semiconductor products for internal and commercial production customers, as well as emerging technology programs. Northrop Grumman's SPF semiconductor foundry is a unique capability supporting a range of production microelectronic devices (Gallium Arsenide, Gallium Nitride, and Indium Phosphide) and providing leading-edge technology development in electronics. Our devices enable a number of Northrop Grumman's ground, sea, air, and space systems. Join us to work with a talented, experienced team while helping serve your country.
Role:
The Semiconductor Materials Section Manager will lead a group of microelectronic semiconductor engineers responsible for sustaining and advancing compound semiconductor epitaxy technologies and characterization methodologies that enable innovative microelectronic solutions for our mission architectures. This is a role that serves as the technical lead for semiconductor materials, the materials point of contact for programs, and a functional manager. Responsibilities include hiring, training, conducting performance reviews, and overseeing the maintenance of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems, relevant tools, and vendor relationships. This position is responsible for the smooth operation of a critical node in NGMS's microelectronics foundry process. All GaN, InP, and GaAs MMIC chips fabricated at NGMS use wafers grown by the Semiconductor Materials Department, and the Section Manager is responsible for all engineering activities related to wafer growth.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) 8 years of semiconductor related experience or Master's Degree in a STEM and 6 years of semiconductor related experience
- Experience operating or maintaining a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth system
- Knowledge of thin-film characterization techniques and ability to apply them to improve semiconductor material performance
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team of engineers and communicate effectively through written reports and verbal presentations
- Experience managing a team of 6 or more engineers
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, or physics with 4 years of semiconductor related experience
- Experience in semiconductor wafer fabrication processes, device design and modeling, and circuit design and simulation
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939