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Thin Film Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Principal Thin Film Process Engineer to serve as a technical lead at our San Jose Wafer Fab. This individual will provide strategic direction and deep technical mastery in Sputter ...

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 ...

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 ...

Interface closely with manufacturing, equipment engineering, IT, etc. to fully support the thin film area. * Perform statistical analysis of process data and develop process metrics. * Disposition ...

Interface closely with manufacturing, equipment engineering, IT, etc. to fully support the thin film area. * Perform statistical analysis of process data and develop process metrics. * Disposition ...

The Thin Film Engineer will Oversees the end-to-end processing of thin-film components, ensuring both catalog standards and custom client specifications are met with precision. As a Thin Film ...

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Thin Film Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

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

As of Jun 12, 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 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.

What is a Thin Film Process Engineer job?

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 in the Thin Film Process Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Thin Film Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Thin Film Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Thin Film Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Thin Film Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Thin Film Process Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Thin Film Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 41% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Thin Film Process Engineering Technician (50480)

TDK Headway Technologies Inc.

Milpitas, CA โ€ข On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

TITLE:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  THIN FILM PROCESS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

FLSA STATUS:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  NON-EXEMPT

E SHIFT:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย ย ย ย MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY AND EVERY OTHER THURSDAY, 12:00PM-12:00AM

REPORTS TO:ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย ย SR. DIRECTOR, THIN FILM PROCESS ENGINEERING

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Sr. Director, Thin Film Process Engineering the Thin Film Process Engineering Technician provides support to the engineering teams in the thin film area, assists and supports wafer fabrication, reviews and documents thin film processes or procedures, and dispositions abnormal wafers for rework; maintains process controls using Statistical Process Control (SPC), collects and analyzes data, and recommends corrective action; performs microscopy inspection using various techniques. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides support to the engineering teams in the thin film area
  • Supports wafer fabrication and thin film processes to ensure that wafers are processed efficiently
  • Uses various wafer manufacturing tools such as PVD (Anelva, CVC, PVD, EME, SEED), IBD, CVD, ALD, PECVD, etcher, wet cleaning tool, oven etc., to perform experiments and process wafers
  • Reviews and documents processes and procedures; partners with engineering to implement changes effectively
  • Dispositions abnormal or atypical wafers for rework; ensures that rework is completed promptly
  • Collects and analyzes data and recommends corrective action if required
  • Reviews and maintains process controls using SPC and prepares charts and graphs
  • Performs various types of inspections using microscopes
  • Assists with troubleshooting and resolving process-related issues
  • Participates in and recommends modifications to procedures or processes in support of continuous improvement initiatives
  • Collaborates with engineering to qualify or approve new processes or procedures
  • Creates reports, charts, or graphs on an ad-hoc or routine basis
  • Responds to inquiries from other team members, managers, or departments
  • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree in Electronics or Industrial Technology and/or equivalent relevant experience
  • Two years of experience working in the semiconductor industry
  • Knowledge of thin film processes and procedures
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications
  • Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and ability to use various types of microscopes to perform wafer inspection
  • Knowledge of semiconductor or hard disk drive (HDD) principles and processes
  • Knowledge and ability to use SPC to maintain process controls
  • Knowledge of thin film processes and procedures
  • Ability to collect and analyze data, present findings, and recommend corrective action
  • Ability to adhere to all safety policies and procedures
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and management
  • Demonstrated ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions
  • Demonstrated problem solving and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated time management and prioritization skills
  • Skilled at resolving issues quickly and efficiently
  • Flexible and able to prioritize

The hourly rate for this full-time position is between $26.00-$35.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The hourly pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Thin Film Process Engineering Technician works primarily in an indoor environment on a rotating schedule for E shift. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to-building as needed. Works in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer manufacturing facility; wears a cleanroom (bunny) suit, including hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, and mask.ย  May be exposed to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, and/or gases during the course of workday; Stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 20 pounds.

*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact Susan Rowatt, Staffing and Compensation Manager, at susan.rowatt@headway.com. Interested applicants should submit their resume to jobs@headway.com.