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Senior Plasma Etch Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Etch Process Engineer E3S

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Design, execute, collect, analyze, and document routine to moderately complex plasma etch process ... Perform etch chamber hardware and process characterization under the guidance of senior engineers ...

Design, execute, collect, analyze, and document routine to moderately complex plasma etch process ... Perform etch chamber hardware and process characterization under the guidance of senior engineers ...

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Senior Plasma Etch Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior plasma etch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plasma etch engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior plasma etch engineer do?

A Senior Plasma Etch Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining plasma etching processes used in semiconductor manufacturing. They work with advanced equipment to precisely remove material from silicon wafers, enabling the creation of complex microelectronic devices. Their role often involves troubleshooting process issues, improving yield, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and staying updated on the latest etching technologies. Senior engineers also mentor junior staff and play a key role in process integration and technology transfer.

What are some common challenges a senior plasma etch engineer faces when optimizing process parameters for new semiconductor devices?

A Senior Plasma Etch Engineer often encounters challenges such as balancing etch selectivity, profile control, and uniformity across wafers while adapting recipes for new device architectures. Keeping up with rapid technology changes requires continuous experimentation and collaboration with design, integration, and equipment engineering teams. Troubleshooting process deviations and minimizing defects are also critical, as even minor issues can impact yield and device performance. Effective communication and documentation skills are essential to ensure smooth technology transfers and ongoing process improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior plasma etch engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Plasma Etch Engineer, you need a deep understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes, plasma physics, and materials science, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Proficiency with plasma etch tools (such as LAM or TEL systems), process simulation software, and statistical process control (SPC) methodologies is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure precise process development, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless collaboration, all critical for high-yield semiconductor manufacturing.

What is the difference between Senior Plasma Etch Engineer vs Plasma Etch Engineer?

AspectSenior Plasma Etch EngineerPlasma Etch Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications preferredBachelor's in Engineering or related field
Experience5+ years in plasma etching, project leadership1-3 years in plasma etching
Work EnvironmentCleanroom semiconductor manufacturingCleanroom or laboratory setting
ResponsibilitiesProcess development, troubleshooting, mentoringProcess execution, equipment operation

The main difference between a Senior Plasma Etch Engineer and a Plasma Etch Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior engineers typically have more years of experience, oversee complex processes, and mentor junior staff, whereas plasma etch engineers focus on executing etching processes under supervision. Both roles are vital in semiconductor manufacturing, but senior positions involve greater technical oversight and project management.

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Infographic showing various Senior Plasma Etch Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Dry/Plasma Etch Process Development Engineer (SM1)

Sherman, TX

Texas Instruments
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Texas Instruments rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Change the world. Love your job. 
We are seeking a highly motivated Advanced Process Development Engineer to join our Plasma Etch Process Development team. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and transferring advanced plasma etch processes supporting next-generation semiconductor technologies. The engineer will work closely with integration, equipment, metrology, and manufacturing teams to drive technology innovation, improve process capability, and enable successful product ramp into high-volume manufacturing.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in plasma etch fundamentals, semiconductor process development, statistical data analysis, and cross-functional problem solving.

The responsibilities of a Manufacturing Development Process Engineer in this role include:

  • Process Development
    • Develop and optimize plasma etch processes for advanced semiconductor devices.
    • Design and execute experiments (DOE) to improve critical process metrics, including:
      • Etch rate
      • Selectivity
      • Critical dimension (CD) control
      • Profile control
      • Defectivity
      • Uniformity
    • Characterize process performance and establish process windows for manufacturing robustness.
    • Evaluate new process chemistries, hardware configurations, and chamber technologies.
    Technology Introduction
    • Support development and qualification of next-generation etch technologies.
    • Collaborate with device integration teams to meet product and technology requirements.
    • Drive process readiness for technology transfers from development into manufacturing.
    • Establish process specifications, control plans, and release documentation.
    Tool and Equipment Engineering
    • Partner with equipment engineering teams to improve tool capability, productivity, and reliability.
    • Lead chamber matching, equipment qualification, and process performance improvement activities.
    • Support installation and startup of new etch platforms.
    Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
    • Analyze complex process datasets using statistical methods and data analytics tools.
    • Identify root causes of process excursions and implement corrective actions.
    • Lead yield improvement and defect reduction initiatives.
    • Utilize SPC methodologies to monitor and improve process stability.
    Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Work closely with:
      • Process Integration
      • Manufacturing
      • Yield Engineering
      • Metrology
      • Equipment Engineering
      • Quality and Reliability teams
    • Present technical findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
    • Mentor junior engineers and technicians as needed.
Why TI?
  • Engineer your future. We empower our employees to truly own their career and development. Come collaborate with some of the smartest people in the world to shape the future of electronics.
  • We're different by design. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives are what push innovation forward and what make TI stronger. We value each and every voice, and look forward to hearing yours. Meet the people of TI
  • Benefits that benefit you. We offer competitive pay and benefits designed to help you and your family live your best life. Your well-being is important to us. Please find our country-specific benefits here

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

Texas Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you are interested in this position, please apply to this requisition.
TI does not make recruiting or hiring decisions based on citizenship, immigration status or national origin. However, if TI determines that information access or export control restrictions based upon applicable laws and regulations would prohibit you from working in this position without first obtaining an export license, TI expressly reserves the right not to seek such a license for you and either offer you a different position that does not require an export license or decline to move forward with your employment.

Minimum requirements:

  • 8+ years of semiconductor plasma/dry etch process development experience.
  • Bachelors in an engineering discipline
  • Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
  • Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical analysis.
  • Familiarity with metrology techniques including SEM, CD-SEM, ellipsometry and defect inspection tools.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Strong foundation in statistical process control, engineering change control and process release strategies
  • Proficiency with Python, Claude, or other AI models or tools is a plus
  • Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills resulting in innovative and creative process solutions
  • Experience with process development and transfer on etch platforms (LAM, AMAT, TEL, etc)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different job functions
  • Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationships
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
  • Ability to take the initiative and drive for result

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About Texas Instruments

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global semiconductor company, we design, manufacture, test and sell analog and embedded processing chips to nearly 100,000 customers. Our products enable electronics everywhere and in things you experience every day - from health care, smart homes and connected cars to drones, smart phones and more. Our passion to create a better and more sustainable world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors drives us to make our technology smaller, more efficient, more reliable and more affordable.

Industry

Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1930