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Thin Films Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applied Materials

Process Technician

Santa Clara, CA

$24.50 - $34.10/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions ... thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis ...

Applied Materials

Process Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $34.10/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions ... Evaluate wafers and thin films * Perform routine maintenance procedures including flash and plasma ...

Amat

Process Technician

Santa Clara, CA

$24.50 - $34.10/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions ... Evaluate wafers and thin films * Perform routine maintenance procedures including flash and plasma ...

Amat

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$33 - $45.70/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Record process conditions and experimental observations; evaluate wafers and thin films to include ...

Amat

Process Technician III

Santa Clara, CA

$29 - $39.60/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Evaluate wafers and thin films; prepare graphs and tables summarizing results * Interface with ...

Substrate

Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing ... Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as ...

Blue Current

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA

$119K - $154K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will work cross-functionally to translate evolving process requirements ... thin films) * Demonstrated ownership of both process optimization and equipment performance

Amat

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA

$33 - $45.65/hr

... thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis ... engineers on wafer evaluations. Sets up equipment for experiments. Uses quantitative wafer ...

Blue Current

Sr. Process Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

The Senior Process Engineer will work cross-functionally to translate evolving process requirements ... thin films) * Demonstrated ownership of both process optimization and equipment performance

Substrate

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems ... Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as ...

Amat

Process Technician II - (T2)

Santa Clara, CA

$24.50 - $34.10/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis ...

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Thin Films Process Engineer information

What does a thin films process engineer do?

A Thin Films Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting processes used to deposit thin layers of materials onto substrates, often for use in semiconductors, solar panels, or optical devices. They work with various deposition techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to achieve desired film properties. Their role involves process design, equipment maintenance, quality control, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve product performance and yield.

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

To thrive as a Thin Films Process Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, experience with thin film deposition techniques, and a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with tools such as sputtering systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment, and statistical process control software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies enable precise process optimization, ensure high-quality film production, and facilitate effective collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What are some common challenges faced by thin films process engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Thin Films Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining uniform film thickness, preventing contamination, and optimizing process parameters for different materials. These issues can typically be addressed by closely monitoring equipment, following strict cleanroom protocols, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like R&D and quality assurance to troubleshoot and refine deposition processes. Continuous learning and staying updated with new thin film technologies also help engineers effectively solve production problems and drive process improvements.

What is the difference between Thin Films Process Engineer vs Chemical Process Engineer?

AspectThin Films Process EngineerChemical Process Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in Chemical Engineering; certifications may include PE license
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, semiconductor, or electronics manufacturing facilitiesChemical plants, manufacturing facilities, or research labs
Industry UsageSemiconductor, electronics, optics industriesPetrochemical, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing
Job FocusDeveloping and optimizing thin film deposition processesDesigning and improving chemical production processes

The main difference between a Thin Films Process Engineer and a Chemical Process Engineer lies in their focus areas. Thin Films Process Engineers specialize in thin film deposition techniques used in electronics and semiconductor industries, while Chemical Process Engineers focus on chemical manufacturing and process optimization across various industries. Both roles require a background in chemical engineering principles, but their work environments and specific process expertise differ.

Are process engineers in high demand?

Process engineers, including those specializing in thin films, are in high demand due to their expertise in manufacturing, quality control, and process optimization across industries such as electronics and semiconductors. The demand is driven by technological advancements and the need for efficient production processes, often requiring skills in automation and process control systems.

What are popular job titles related to Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in California?

For Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Thin Films Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Thin Films Process Engineer job openings:

Thin Films Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thin Films Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Research Scientist, Thin Films

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.
As a Research Scientist in Thin Film Materials Discovery, you will lead thin-film synthesis efforts using advanced PVD platforms, building the experimental foundation for autonomous discovery loops. You will collaborate with computational and AI scientists, and partner with engineers designing next-generation automated laboratory infrastructure.
What You'll Do
  • Develop synthesis strategies to realize novel thin-film materials predicted by AI
  • Determine and control crystal structures, defects, microstructures, and properties of previously unrealized compounds
  • Partner with AI and computation teams to build predictive models of materials growth and properties grounded in physics and chemistry
  • Work with engineers to design, test, and deploy automated growth and characterization hardware

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • PhD in chemistry, physics, or materials science, with 5+ years of hands-on experience
  • Deep expertise with thin-film synthesis methods such as sputtering, PLD, and MBE, with demonstrated experience and creativity across diverse chemistries
  • Strong skills in structural and chemical characterization, particularly of thin films and materials with structures or compositions never before realized experimentally - including diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy
  • Experience probing the optical, electronic, magnetic, thermal, and/or other properties of thin films
  • Proven record of collaboration with computational groups, especially for high-throughput materials discovery
  • Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and stewardship, with hands-on experience in hazardous chemistries
  • Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have
  • Experience working in national user facilities such as synchrotrons or neutron sources
  • Development of novel synthesis or characterization techniques
  • Comfort with large experimental datasets and analysis pipelines
  • Experience with automation and scripting in laboratory environments

Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or similar experience
Location: Menlo Park, CA or Montreal, Canada. (Soon: San Francisco, too)
Compensation: $225,000-325,000 + equity
Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.

Apply