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Thin Films Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Amat

Process Technician II - (T2)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Amat

Process Technician III - (T3)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29 - $39.60/hr

... thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis ... Support engineering experiments, process development, and qualification activities. * Execute ...

Coherent

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

... thin films. * Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers ...

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Thin Films Process Engineer information

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 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 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.

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 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.

Senior Process Engineer

Substrate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Senior Process Engineer
Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.
Summary
You will be responsible for conceptualizing and prototyping critical components of our platform through process development and materials characterization. This role will require you to work hands-on in several cleanrooms and user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as direct the work of others. You will own aspects of our fabrication process, conducting a mix of micro- and nanofabrication as well as characterization of the materials and structures that you create. This hands-on work will include (but will not be limited to) many nanofabrication techniques including lithography, wet and dry deposition and etching.
You will also participate in the build-up of Substrate's own internal research facilities. You will be a key contributor to early-stage development and testing which are critical to our challenging mission to shape the semiconductor industry for decades to come.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborating closely with Substrate's technical team to conceptualize, design, prototype, and characterize nanofabricated optical devices
  • Hands-on fabrication of MEMS/NEMS devices using techniques such as photo- and electron beam lithography, thin film deposition, and wet and dry etching. This work will be done in several user facilities (primarily around the San Francisco Bay Area, but with the possibility of travel beyond the Bay Area)
  • Ownership of fabrication strategies in lithography, deposition, and etch, as well as designing process flows, material compatibility studies, and mask layout CAD
  • Iterating through structural designs and tuning lithography, deposition, and etch parameters to optimize processes and improve performance
  • Mechanical, optical, and chemical characterization of thin films using techniques such as profilometry, ellipsometry, and XPS
  • Characterization of pattern fidelity and resolution using techniques such as SEM and AFM
  • Select and scope bulk material, nanopatterned structures, and thin film characterization strategies to better study the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties that drive device performance
  • Designing, coordinating, and conducting experiments in various user facilities
  • Contribution to the build-up and installation of Substrate's own internal research facilities
  • Recording, processing and interpreting data and results to the wider team
Required Qualifications
  • 7 years of hands-on micro- or nanofabrication experience in cleanroom user facilities
  • Demonstrated ability to lead work safely and collaboratively in a cleanroom user facility
  • Willingness and ability to work in several user facilities around the San Francisco Bay Area several days per week
  • Demonstrated experience handling delicate samples and operating complex fabrication and characterization equipment
  • Deep understanding of, and ability to design based on, micro- and nanofabrication considerations such as top-down vs. bottom-up, pattern transfer, material compatibilities, etch selectivity and directionality, and thin film and surface engineering
  • Deep understanding of the mechanical, optical, and chemical properties of materials which typically determine the performance of nanofabricated devices
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. High attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to solve complex design challenges both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to collaborate with a large and multidisciplinary technical group
  • M.S. or higher degree in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline in the physical or engineering sciences
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in characterization techniques such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy
  • Experience operating a Raith EBPG 5200/5200+, including aligned exposures
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in inductively coupled plasma etching, with a strong understanding of the principles of plasma etching and recipe parameters
  • 3+ years of experience in industrial R&D
  • Experience with instrument scoping, procurement, installation, and commissioning
  • Experience with safety procedures and best practices when working with potentially hazardous liquid chemicals

Salary Range
$200,000-$300,000 USD
Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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