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Surface Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 5

Fremont, CA · On-site

... surface engineering to solve problems that define what's next. You'll own critical process development from concept to customer-ready performance: creating advanced process formulations, shaping ...

Mattson Technology

Mechanical Engineer 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Mattson Technology

Sr. Director, NPI

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 2

Fremont, CA · On-site

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

... surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Surface Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do surface engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a surface engineer do?

A surface engineer specializes in modifying and improving the surface properties of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and resistance to wear, corrosion, or fatigue. They often work with techniques such as coating, polishing, and surface treatments, using tools like microscopy and testing equipment to analyze and optimize surfaces in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, surface treatments, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Proficiency with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and familiarity with relevant industry standards or certifications (e.g., ISO, ASTM) is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These competencies ensure high-quality surface solutions, product durability, and innovation in various industrial applications.

What is surface engineering?

Surface engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on modifying and improving the properties of surfaces of materials, such as metals, ceramics, or polymers, to enhance their performance and durability. Techniques like coating, plating, and thermal treatments are used to provide resistance against wear, corrosion, oxidation, and other surface-related failures. Surface engineering is widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical devices. The goal is to extend the lifespan and functionality of components while reducing maintenance costs and resource consumption.

What are some common challenges faced by surface engineers when developing coatings for industrial applications?

Surface engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the durability and adhesion of coatings under harsh operating conditions, selecting materials that meet both performance and cost requirements, and troubleshooting unexpected failures like corrosion or wear. Balancing the need for innovative solutions with strict industry standards and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists and process engineers, is key to addressing these technical and practical challenges efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Engineering jobs in California?

For Surface Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surface Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surface Engineering job openings:

Surface Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Senior Computational Chemistry Engineer

Lam Research Corporation

Fremont, CA • On-site

$119K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Lam Research rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 489 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The group you'll be a part of
In the Semiverse® Solutions Team, we are dedicated to excellence in the virtual experimentation of Lam's etch and deposition processes. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.
The impact you'll make
As a Senior Computational Chemistry Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology, harnessing atomic precision, materials science, and surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves identifying new and advanced processes and chemical formulations. Your expertise and knowledge will play a crucial role in our customers' success, making an impact on next generation semiconductor technologies.
What you'll do
  • Perform first-principles calculations and atomistic modeling to investigate reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, plasma-surface interactions, and materials behavior
  • Generate high fidelity training datasets from quantum chemistry and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to support development of next-generation simulation capabilities
  • Utilize computational chemistry learning to support process engineering research & development, and process/chamber/feature simulations
  • Plan projects involving definition and selection of new concepts and approaches for simulation evaluation workflows
  • Compile and evaluate modeling data to provide guidance on chemistries and materials, as well as appropriate limits and variables for process specifications
  • Communicate chemistry and process insights clearly through presentations and technical discussions with stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science (or equivalent)
  • At least 3-5 years of industry experience, post Ph.D.
  • Experience using DFT software (e.g. Gaussian)
  • Experience with frontier molecular orbital analysis and full reaction pathway studies
  • Experience applying quantum chemistry fundamentals to solve challenges related to semiconductor processes and materials applications
  • Interest in advanced technology and an on-going desire to learn
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently with diverse teams

Preferred qualifications
  • Experience with reactive molecular dynamics (e.g. ReaxFF)
  • Experience with MLIP architectures (e.g. MACE, SevenNet)
  • Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Ability to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs and deadlines
  • Collaboration/Matrix environment mindset

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.
Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $119,000.00 - $261,000.00.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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