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Sputtering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and e-beam evaporation techniques * Perform metrology and characterization using AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and ...

Wafer Fab Process Technicican

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$56K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating cleanroom equipment including; photolithography, wet etch, dry etch, diffusion, sputtering, evaporation, optical and SEM inspection. Communicating status of production lots as needed with ...

Nanofabrication Intern - Fall 2026

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Operate or support thin-film deposition processes such as sputtering, evaporation, PVD, PLD, ALD, PECVD, or related techniques. * Run or assist with etch processes such as wet etching, plasma etching ...

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Santa Ana, CA

$20 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform and own routine preventive maintenance on production equipment, including ovens, plating lines, vacuum furnaces, sputtering systems, leak testers, XRF units, profilometers, and other process ...

Wafer Fab Process Technicican

Camarillo, CA

$56K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating cleanroom equipment including; photolithography, wet etch, dry etch, diffusion, sputtering, evaporation, optical and SEM inspection. Communicating status of production lots as needed with ...

Title Wafer Fab Process Technicican

Camarillo, CA

$56K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operating cleanroom equipment including; photolithography, wet etch, dry etch, diffusion, sputtering, evaporation, optical and SEM inspection. Communicating status of production lots as needed with ...

Thin film deposition systems (evaporation, sputtering, PECVD) * Dry and wet etching tools (RIE, DRIE, wet etch) * Metrology and inspection tools (optical microscopy, profilometry, ellipsometry, SEM) ...

Wafer Fab Process Technicican

Camarillo, CA

$62K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Must have practical experience with and must be able to operate photolithography, wet etch, dry etch, diffusion, sputtering, evaporation, optical and SEM ...

Detector Process Intern

Santa Barbara, CA

$19 - $24.75/hr

Experience with hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off * Hands-on experience of ...

Experience with hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off * At least 3 years of hands-on ...

Detector Process Intern

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Experience with hands-on processing of semiconductor devices in cleanrooms including photolithography, dry etch, wet etch, evaporation, sputtering, dicing, and lift-off * Hands-on experience of ...

Showing results 21-40

Sputtering information

What is sputtering?

A sputtering job involves operating and maintaining sputtering equipment used for thin film deposition in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, optics, and coatings. Technicians oversee the process by preparing materials, controlling deposition parameters, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also troubleshoot equipment issues, perform routine maintenance, and work in cleanroom environments. This role requires attention to detail, technical knowledge, and an understanding of vacuum systems and material properties.

What does a sputtering professional do?

A typical day for someone working in sputtering involves preparing deposition equipment, setting up target materials, monitoring thin film processes, and conducting quality checks on the resulting coatings. You'll often work in a cleanroom environment as part of a team alongside engineers, technicians, and researchers to develop or manufacture high-performance materials. In addition to hands-on equipment operation, the role may require documenting results, troubleshooting technical issues, and performing routine maintenance. Collaboration and communication are key, as you'll coordinate with other departments to ensure production goals and quality standards are consistently met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sputtering?

To thrive in a Sputtering role, candidates should possess a solid understanding of thin film deposition techniques, materials science, and cleanroom protocols, often backed by a degree or certification in engineering, physics, or a related technical field. Proficiency with sputtering equipment, vacuum systems, and process control software is highly valuable, as are certifications in semiconductor manufacturing or related ISO standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this position. These abilities ensure precise operation, high-quality output, and collaboration within multidisciplinary manufacturing or R&D environments.

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

The most popular types of Sputtering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sputtering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sputtering job openings:

Infographic showing various Sputtering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Meta

Pasadena, CA

$122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist, with experience in waveguide fabrication and process development, to advance optical systems research for next-generation augmented reality devices and advanced computing systems. In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical engineering — directly contributing to the hardware that will power Meta's AR glasses and displays. This is a fundamental research role driving a long-term research roadmap to establish the feasibility of breakthrough optical technologies for future product generations.
Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities:
  • Develop and optimize techniques and processes for the fabrication of diffraction gratings and light guides on organic substrates
  • Perform nanostructure patterning using e-beam lithography, stepper lithography, and nanoimprint lithography techniques
  • Develop and characterize dry etch and wet etch processes for precision waveguide fabrication
  • Deposit dielectric thin films using sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and e-beam evaporation techniques
  • Perform metrology and characterization using AFM, SEM, optical profilometry, and spectroscopic methods
  • Collaborate with optical designers, materials scientists, and integration teams to translate design requirements into manufacturing processes
  • Document, develop standard operating procedures, and contribute to IP generation
  • Identify and troubleshoot yield-limiting defects and process excursions
  • Support technology transfer from R&D to pilot-scale and high-volume manufacturing

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
  • Hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques, including E-beam lithography, optical steppers, and dry/plasma etching
  • Experience with thin-film deposition methods (sputtering, ALD, or e-beam evaporation)
  • Proficiency with metrology tools such as AFM, SEM, and optical characterization systems
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and optimizing fabrication processes from development through qualification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Fundamental understanding of light-matter interaction, photonic nanostructures, and device physics
  • Knowledge of optical thin-film design and coating characterization
  • Experience scaling processes from R&D prototyping to pilot production
  • Background in AR/VR optics, holographic optical elements, surface-relief gratings, or photonic devices
  • Familiarity with organic/polymer substrates and their processing challenges (thermal budget, CTE mismatch, surface energy). Experience with nanoimprint lithography (NIL) or roll-to-roll patterning
  • Experience fabricating diffractive optical elements, waveguides, or photonic structures

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$122,000/year to $181,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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