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Substrate Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substrate

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 ...

Substrate

Technical Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

... 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 ...

Substrate

Standard Cell Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

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 ...

Substrate

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 ...

Etched

IC Package Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$2.0K/mo

IC Package Engineer We are seeking an experienced IC Package Design Engineer to drive and own all ... Own the end-to-end package design process, including substrate layout and IC package design, while ...

Etched

IC Package Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

IC Package Engineer We are seeking an experienced IC Package Design Engineer to drive and own all ... Own the end-to-end package design process, including substrate layout and IC package design, while ...

Etched

IC Package Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

IC Package Engineer We are seeking an experienced IC Package Design Engineer to drive and own all ... Own the end-to-end package design process, including substrate layout and IC package design, while ...

Claros

Electromechanical Packaging Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with substrate layout, ASIC design, and manufacturing engineers. * Create mechanical drawings for substrate fabrication and packaged part assembly. Work with vendors for components ...

Claros

Electromechanical Packaging Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Collaborate with substrate layout, ASIC design, and manufacturing engineers. * Create mechanical drawings for substrate fabrication and packaged part assembly. Work with vendors for components ...

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All JobsSubstrate Engineer JobsSubstrate Engineer Jobs in California

Substrate Engineer information

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles involving leadership, complex technical expertise, or working in lucrative markets tend to have higher compensation levels.

What are the 7 types of engineers?

Engineers are typically categorized into various disciplines based on their specialization, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, software, aerospace, and industrial engineering. Substrate engineers, a specialized role in semiconductor manufacturing, focus on designing and developing substrate materials used in electronic devices. Understanding different engineering types helps in identifying the skills and tools relevant to each field, which can be important for career development and job opportunities.

Are materials engineers in high demand?

Materials engineers, including those working as substrate engineers, are in high demand due to the growth of electronics, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing industries. They often require knowledge of materials properties, testing, and industry standards, with employment prospects driven by technological innovation and manufacturing needs.

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in senior or executive roles at large technology companies. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing as part of compensation packages.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substrate Engineer, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to Substrate Engineer jobs in California? For Substrate Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substrate Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Substrate Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Substrate Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Substrate Engineer job openings:
Substrate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substrate Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Substrate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

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 developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.
Summary
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will design and develop ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, precision mechanisms and high speed motion systems. This role requires deep hands-on engineering experience in high-precision manufacturing environments combined with the ability to work autonomously on complex technical challenges. You must be comfortable supporting scientists, engineers, and technical specialists working on parallel projects across multiple locations including external production sites. This is a full-time, in office position.
Responsibilities
  • Design and analyze UHV-compatible mechanical systems, components, and assemblies for state-of-the-art production facilities across distributed operational environments
  • Develop nanometer-precision mechatronic systems for high-speed, high-acceleration applications
  • Conduct structural analysis, vibration and thermal modeling, and FEA stress/strain calculations for high-acceleration mechatronic systems deployed in multiple locations
  • Design vacuum-compatible mechanical assemblies and wafer handling robotics supporting autonomous production workstreams
  • Build and execute comprehensive testing protocols including UHV validation, precision measurement, and performance characterization for field deployments
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers and software teams on integrated mechatronic system design across parallel technical contributions
  • Implement vibration damping techniques and precision isolation systems for distributed production environments
  • Lead technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for mechanical failures in systems across multiple installation sites
  • Develop manufacturing processes and work directly with specialized vendors for precision components and vacuum-compatible materials
  • Support external site installations and provide technical guidance for UHV production facility deployments
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives for precision mechanical systems across fluid organizational structures

Required Qualifications
  • 6+ years hands-on mechanical engineering experience, 3+ years in precision manufacturing or research environments at technology companies
  • Expert-level CAD experience with complex precision assembly design and UHV-compatible components
  • Direct experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for stress/strain calculations in high-acceleration mechatronic applications
  • Strong background in vacuum technology, UHV system design, and vacuum-compatible materials
  • Cross-functional collaboration experience supporting autonomous technical contributors
  • Built precision mechanical systems from concept through production in scaling technology environments
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

Preferred Qualifications
  • Basic knowledge or experience with semiconductor wafer handling robotics or equipment
  • Experience supporting scientists and researchers in autonomous technical environments with fluid organizational structures
  • Experience with nanometer-precision actuators, motors, and positioning systems
  • Hands-on experience with vibration damping techniques for high-precision mechanical systems
  • Background in national labs, semiconductor equipment, or custom vacuum system design companies

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, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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