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Substrate Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substrate Technologist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

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 ...

Senior Substrate Layout Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

In this role, our team is looking for a Senior Substrate Layout Engineer who will lead complex HDI PCB and substrate layout efforts for advanced microelectronic solutions used in aerospace, defense ...

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 ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior Process 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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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Substrate Engineer information

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How much do substrate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for substrate engineer in the United States is $107,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Substrate Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Substrate Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Substrate Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Substrate Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Substrate Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substrate Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,956 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Substrate Technologist

Substrate Technologist

Apple

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Substrate Technologist

Work Locations (3) Submit Resume

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.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
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.
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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants


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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