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Thin Film Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements ...

Senior Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Engineering to ... Developing, designing and optimizing optical thin film deposition processes to meet requirements ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Norwood, MA · Hybrid

$117K - $152K/yr

Must be an expert in the manufacturing/process engineering and development of Hybrid Microcircuits, Thick/Thin Film processing, and packaging technology. * Participated in involving product design ...

Optics Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

$134K - $173K/yr

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

New

Optics Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $173K/yr

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

Thin Film Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop ... Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime * Identifying root causes of defects ...

As a Thin Film Engineer at MKS Newport, you will partner with Thin Film Coating to design, develop ... Characterizing equipment and processes to reduce downtime * Identifying root causes of defects ...

Senior Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer specializing in thin-film deposition, you'll help advance one of the world's most sophisticated continuous manufacturing platforms. Your work will directly influence ...

Senior Process Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Process Engineer specializing in thin-film deposition, you'll help advance one of the world's most sophisticated continuous manufacturing platforms. Your work will directly influence ...

Showing results 21-40

Thin Film Process Engineer information

See salary details

$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

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 Manufacturing Engineer (51714)

Headway Technologies

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$121 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Thin Film Manufacturing Engineer – Milpitas, CA

Full‑time position with a salary range of $121,000 to $160,000 per year.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Thin Film Manufacturing Engineering, the Thin Film Manufacturing Engineer monitors and supports thin film manufacturing processes, ensures reliability, verifies robustness, improves efficiency, implements cost‑saving practices, analyses data, and resolves root causes to enhance production yields.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Monitor, sustain, and support day‑to‑day thin film manufacturing processes, programs, and activities.
  • Ensure process reliability by providing technical support to operators, technicians, and engineers.
  • Collaborate with the development team on new thin‑film process integration and manufacturing improvements.
  • Improve the efficiency of deposition and/or dry‑etching processes by analysing data, conducting experiments, and researching alternative methods that reduce scrap.
  • Design and conduct experiments to verify process robustness by characterising process latitudes.
  • Develop and implement practices or methodologies that lower cost, reduce cycle time, and improve operational efficiency.
  • Conduct root‑cause analysis and implement corrective action as required.
  • Respond to inquiries from other team members, managers, or departments.
  • Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to analyse product quality data; develop charts or reports and present findings to groups or teams.
  • Adhere to all safety policies and procedures as required.
  • Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent relevant experience (Ph.D. preferred).
  • Three years of hands‑on experience in magnetic thin‑film fabrication or semiconductor manufacturing/process engineering.
  • Hands‑on experience with SPC and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Strong knowledge of magnetic thin‑film fabrication techniques using IBE/RIE/ALD and ion milling.
  • Knowledge and experience of TMR, CPP GMR, spin‑transfer‑oscillator film processes.
  • Familiarity with surface analytical/materials characterization techniques (XRD, AFM, TEM, SEM, FIB).
  • Experience using JMP or Excel and ability to create macro formulas.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations.
  • Design experiments, analyse results, and recommend corrective action.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, employees, and management.
  • Work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management.
  • Comply with all safety policies and procedures.
  • Use critical thinking to resolve issues, conduct root‑cause analysis, and recommend process improvements.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical, organisational, time‑management, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Flexibility and ability to prioritise.
WORKING CONDITIONS

The Thin Film Manufacturing Engineer primarily works in an office environment Monday to Friday, may travel between buildings, and works in a class‑100 ESD‑sensitive wafer manufacturing facility wearing a cleanroom suit (hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, mask). Exposure to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, gases, loud noise, and the need to stand, walk, bend, twist, perform fine‑grasping movements, operate a computer and other office equipment is required. Lifting up to 30 pounds occasionally may be required.

COMPENSATION

Annual salary range: $121,000–$160,000, plus bonus target and benefits. Pay may vary based on responsibilities, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.

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