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Sputtering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Semtech

Operator 2, Production

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Thin film deposition (PECVD, sputtering) * Execute process steps according to SOPs and process recipes * Perform wafer handling with high care to prevent damage or contamination * Ensure proper lot ...

Anritsu

Equipment Technician

Morgan Hill, CA

$33.65 - $48.08/hr

You will collaborate with equipment and process engineers to maintain and optimize tools and processes used in sputtering, photolithography, electroplating, wet etching, and dry etching. You will ...

Anritsu Company

Equipment Technician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

You will collaborate with equipment and process engineers to maintain and optimize tools and processes used in sputtering, photolithography, electroplating, wet etching, and dry etching. You will ...

EOTECH

Equipment Maintenance Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on semiconductor manufacturing equipment (etch equipment, sputtering, and evaporation deposition systems); troubleshoot electronic and ...

Coherent

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical ...

Bosch Group

Quality Control Specialist

Roseville, CA

$30/hr

Prepare samples using mechanical polishing, cross-sectioning, pre-sputtering, etc. * Support advanced sample prep techniques (e.g., PFIB pre-work) as experience allows * Maintain FA lab tools ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/yr

Working knowledge with a variety of and in-depth knowledge of at least one among these process techniques: sputtering, CVD, ALD, CMP, wet/dry etch, evaporation, laser, slot die, inkjet print * User ...

Bosch Group

Quality Control Specialist

Roseville, CA · On-site

Prepare samples using mechanical polishing, cross-sectioning, pre-sputtering, etc. * Support advanced sample prep techniques (e.g., PFIB pre-work) as experience allows * Maintain FA lab tools ...

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Sputtering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sputtering position, and why are they important?

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 is a Sputtering job?

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 typical workday look like for someone in a Sputtering role?

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 most commonly searched types of Sputtering jobs in California? The most popular types of Sputtering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Sputtering jobs in California? For Sputtering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sputtering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sputtering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Sputtering jobs? Cities in California with the most Sputtering job openings:
Sputtering jobs near you

Research Scientist, Thin Films

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.
As a Research Scientist in Thin Film Materials Discovery, you will lead thin-film synthesis efforts using advanced PVD platforms, building the experimental foundation for autonomous discovery loops. You will collaborate with computational and AI scientists, and partner with engineers designing next-generation automated laboratory infrastructure.
What You'll Do
  • Develop synthesis strategies to realize novel thin-film materials predicted by AI
  • Determine and control crystal structures, defects, microstructures, and properties of previously unrealized compounds
  • Partner with AI and computation teams to build predictive models of materials growth and properties grounded in physics and chemistry
  • Work with engineers to design, test, and deploy automated growth and characterization hardware

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • PhD in chemistry, physics, or materials science, with 5+ years of hands-on experience
  • Deep expertise with thin-film synthesis methods such as sputtering, PLD, and MBE, with demonstrated experience and creativity across diverse chemistries
  • Strong skills in structural and chemical characterization, particularly of thin films and materials with structures or compositions never before realized experimentally - including diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy
  • Experience probing the optical, electronic, magnetic, thermal, and/or other properties of thin films
  • Proven record of collaboration with computational groups, especially for high-throughput materials discovery
  • Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and stewardship, with hands-on experience in hazardous chemistries
  • Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have
  • Experience working in national user facilities such as synchrotrons or neutron sources
  • Development of novel synthesis or characterization techniques
  • Comfort with large experimental datasets and analysis pipelines
  • Experience with automation and scripting in laboratory environments

Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and training or experience
Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park and we prefer folks to be located in Menlo Park or San Francisco but can be flexible based on role
Compensation: The annual base compensation range for this role is $160,000-$220,000, commensurate with experience
Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas and will do everything we can to assist in this process with our legal support.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.

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