1

Substrate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Proven fundamentals in the material/chemistry/ or mechanical engineering field(s). In-depth knowledge of substrate technology, manufacturing process, design rules, and roadmap. Hands-on experience in ...

Proven fundamentals in the material/chemistry/ or mechanical engineering field(s). In-depth knowledge of substrate technology, manufacturing process, design rules, and roadmap. Hands-on experience in ...

Proven fundamentals in the material/chemistry/ or mechanical engineering field(s). In-depth knowledge of substrate technology, manufacturing process, design rules, and roadmap. Hands-on experience in ...

Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Mechanical Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are ...

Engage with substrate/PCB design team during early development phase to provide DFM based on different PCB suppliers' manufacturability. This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep ...

Proven fundamentals in the material/chemistry/ or mechanical engineering field(s). In-depth knowledge of substrate technology, manufacturing process, design rules, and roadmap. Hands-on experience in ...

This role focuses on FR4 substrate or PCB from new technology development, process development to ... This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep Material/Chemistry/Mechanical/Electrical ...

Engage with substrate/PCB design team during early development phase to provide DFM based on different PCB suppliers' manufacturability.This position is ideal for an engineer who combines deep ...

... or engineering sciences Salary Range $150,000-$275,000 USD Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color ...

Standard Cell Design Lead Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for ...

Research Scientist, AI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Research Scientist, AI Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for ...

Deliver IC package substrate layouts for standard and advanced packaging technologies. * Contribute to the product concept phase by delivering preliminary substrate designs and floorplanning to ...

Showing results 21-40

Substrate Engineer information

What is a substrate engineer?

A Substrate Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and optimizing the underlying frameworks, often referred to as substrates, for electronic devices or software platforms. In the context of electronics, they work with materials and technologies that form the physical base for circuits and chips, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability. In software, especially blockchain, a Substrate Engineer focuses on building and customizing blockchains using the Substrate framework, handling core logic, consensus, and runtime modules. Their role is crucial for creating robust and scalable systems tailored to specific application requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substrate engineer?

To thrive as a Substrate Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, semiconductor fabrication, and electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools like Cadence or Mentor Graphics, as well as experience with substrate modeling, PCB design, and analysis software, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These qualifications are essential for ensuring high-quality, reliable substrate designs that meet performance, manufacturability, and cost requirements in advanced electronics manufacturing.

What are some common challenges substrate engineers face when working on high-density interconnect (HDI) designs?

Substrate Engineers often encounter challenges related to managing signal integrity, thermal performance, and miniaturization when working with HDI designs. Balancing the need for dense routing with electrical performance can be complex, especially as device sizes shrink and layer counts increase. Collaboration with PCB designers, materials scientists, and manufacturing teams is crucial to address these issues and ensure the substrate meets both design and production requirements. Keeping up with evolving technologies and industry standards is also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Substrate Engineer vs Semiconductor Process Engineer?

AspectSubstrate EngineerSemiconductor Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fabrication facilities, semiconductor manufacturing plantsCleanrooms, fabrication facilities, process development labs
Industry UsageSemiconductor manufacturing, electronics, integrated circuitsSemiconductor fabrication, chip production, process optimization
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Substrate Engineers focus on developing and optimizing the materials and layers used in semiconductor devices, while Semiconductor Process Engineers work on the overall manufacturing processes to produce chips efficiently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate within the semiconductor industry, but their specific responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Substrate Engineer jobs in California?

For Substrate Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substrate Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substrate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Substrate Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Substrate Technologist

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 683 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we believe new insights have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Our Hardware Technology Packaging team invents, designs, develops, and integrates electronic packaging solutions for Apple's internal and custom external components of hardware for its consumer electronic products such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, etc. In this highly visible role, you will own and drive sophisticated package selection, new-generation product package structure and configuration optimization. You will be responsible for Apple Package substrate including design, technology, manufacturing, and reliability, and future roadmap; and work with a cross-functional team to achieve the best package performance.
Description
- Lead RFSIP package substrate development, pathfinding technology, and roadmap definition.
- Work with substrate manufacturing industry, foundry, and OSAT to bring package substrate solution from concept to HVM.
- Work across a variety of cross-functional groups directly and involve themselves in engineering and product development.
- Drive industry with sophisticated package solutions, new material development, and specs.
- 5% International travel.","responsibilities":"Work with industry partners to develop new substrate technologies from concept to HVM for Apple packaging roadmap.
Work with cross-functional groups to define & optimize new package substrate architectures based on performance, technical risk, cost, and availability etc.
Problem solving of technical issues during the full product development cycle.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or Ph.D. and 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
Proven fundamentals in the material/chemistry/ or mechanical engineering field(s).
In-depth knowledge of substrate technology, manufacturing process, design rules, and roadmap.
Hands-on experience in substrate manufacturing and technology development: Cu plating, Lithography, Dielectric material, Laser via formation, Solder resist, etc.
Familiar with package assembly and integration process preferred.
Experience in Cadence Allegro platform tools and design review for manufacturing (DFM).
Exceptional technology development & project management skills.
Strong communication & collaborative skills.
Minimum Qualifications
BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976