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Thin Film Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thin Film Process Engineer

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Microelectronics Thin Film Growth Research Engineer Apex Microdevices is seeking an entry-level ... Processing Research Team within the Foundational Technologies Directorate (former Materials and ...

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

Thin Film Manufacturing Engineer

Mckinney, TX ยท On-site

$68K - $131K/yr

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

Processes include thin film metal deposition, laser drill, photolithography, electroless/electroplating, and wet chemical etching. Responsibility for factory and engineering support, creating and ...

... thin film processes. The role focuses on manufacturing support, process development of custom ... The engineer will optimize process yields, address production challenges, and ensure product ...

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How much do thin film process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for thin film process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thin film process engineer?

A Thin Film Process Engineer develops and optimizes thin-film deposition processes used in semiconductor, optics, or display manufacturing. They work with techniques such as sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create precise coatings on substrates. Their responsibilities include process development, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and improving yield and quality. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance production efficiency and implement new technologies is also a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thin film process engineer?

To thrive as a Thin Film Process Engineer, you typically need a degree in materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in thin film deposition and characterization techniques. Familiarity with tools such as sputtering systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), ellipsometry, and statistical process control (SPC) software is highly valued, and certifications like Six Sigma can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams help professionals excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure precise process development, high-quality thin film production, and efficient cross-functional workflow in technology-driven environments.

What are typical challenges faced by thin film process engineers in their daily work?

Thin Film Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining process consistency, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and optimizing deposition parameters for specific material properties. They must carefully monitor and control variables to produce defect-free films, which requires both technical precision and adaptability. Working closely with R&D, production, and quality teams is a regular part of the job, and engineers are often called upon to provide quick solutions to unexpected process issues. These challenges make for a dynamic work environment where attention to detail and proactive problem-solving are keys to success.

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Infographic showing various Thin Film Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Thin Film Process Engineer

Apex Microdevices

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Microelectronics Thin Film Growth Research Engineer

Apex Microdevices is seeking an entry-level research scientist or engineer focused on ferroelectric nitride materials and device prototyping to join the Electromagnetic Materials and Processing Research Team within the Foundational Technologies Directorate (former Materials and Manufacturing Directorate) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This position focuses on developing ferroelectric AlScN and related materials and integrating them into semiconductor platforms for memory, RF, and advanced capacitor applications.

Responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Grow ferroelectric thin films using RF sputtering and integrate them into microelectronic devices.
  • Perform cleanroom microelectronics fabrication for device integration and prototyping.
  • Conduct electrical characterization of ferroelectric switching and leakage behavior.
  • Support development of ferroelectric semiconductor platforms for memory, RF, and advanced capacitor concepts.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline
  • Early-career (0-10 years post Ph.D.) research experience in thin film growth, including RF sputtering of ferroelectric thin films
  • Experience with cleanroom microelectronics fabrication and device integration
  • Familiarity with electrical characterization of ferroelectric switching and leakage behavior
  • Excellent technical communication skills as demonstrated by research conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Must be able to pass a background check required for all contractors who work on-site at WPAFB and use government computer networks.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS)
  • Background in compute or memory device electrical characterization
  • Broad expertise in electrical characterization and device fabrication