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Tool Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. * Effective ... Reports to Development Engineer or Manager of Device Research. * May have direct reports. Travel:

Semtech

Process Development Engineer

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$73K - $110K/yr

Deposition and Etch Process Development & Ownership (35%): * Develop, qualify, and maintain PECVD ... Monitor tool health and respond to excursionsimpactingyield or reliability * Support capacity ...

Ryzen

ECAD SW Development Engineer

Cupertino, CA

ECAD SW Development Engineer (Contract Position) Job TitleECAD SW Development Engineer The Apple ... Responsibility includes but is not limited to enhancing design checking, custom tool application ...

PTC

Senior Software Development Engineer, Platform

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tool Development & Maintenance: Develop and maintain tools that enhance platform reliability and developer productivity. * Feature Development: Build and deliver features for the Arena PLM SaaS ...

PTC

Senior Software Development Engineer, Platform

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tool Development & Maintenance: Develop and maintain tools that enhance platform reliability and developer productivity. * Feature Development: Build and deliver features for the Arena PLM SaaS ...

KLA Corporation

Applications Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $204K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Conduct new tool demonstrations to showcase tool performance and develop use cases to help drive ...

KLA Corporation

Applications Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$120K - $204K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Conduct new tool demonstrations to showcase tool performance and develop use cases to help drive ...

Orbotech

Applications Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$120K - $204K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Conduct new tool demonstrations to showcase tool performance and develop use cases to help drive ...

Teledyne FLIR LLC

Process Development Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

Work with tool design engineering to make fixtures or make tool modifications * Document methods ... D cycle Job Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related technical ...

Teledyne

Process Development Engineer

Goleta, CA

$90K - $121K/yr

Work with tool design engineering to make fixtures or make tool modifications * Document methods ... D cycle Job Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related technical ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Tool Development Engineer information

What is a tool development engineer?

Tool Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain tools, software, or equipment used to optimize production processes or support engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include understanding user requirements, creating prototypes, testing tools, and improving existing solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. They work closely with manufacturing, software, or hardware teams, depending on the industry. Tool Development Engineers play a critical role in increasing productivity and ensuring the reliability of tools used in various technical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tool development engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Tool Development Engineers often work closely with software developers, QA testers, and product managers to create and refine tools. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities, such as development speed versus tool robustness or user-friendliness. Effective communication and flexibility are key to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team. Regular feedback sessions and clear documentation help ensure that the tools developed meet the evolving requirements of all stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, version control systems, and automation tools, as well as certifications in relevant frameworks, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration and innovative tool design. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, reliable tools that optimize engineering workflows and support organizational productivity.

What is the difference between Tool Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesPlanning, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsMechanical design, CAD, problem-solving, certifications like Six Sigma or LeanProcess engineering, project management, certifications like Six Sigma or Lean
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesFactories, production lines, plant floor
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturingWidely used across various manufacturing sectors including consumer goods and industrial equipment

While both roles support manufacturing operations, the Tool Development Engineer primarily focuses on creating and improving tools and equipment, whereas the Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on optimizing entire production processes. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Tool Development Engineer jobs in California?

For Tool Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tool Development Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tool Development Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tool Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tool Development Engineer job openings:

Tool Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tool Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Development Engineer II

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

First Solar rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

471st of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
  • Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize devices/material properties, apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize material and stack performance
  • Hands-on leading specifying, commissioning, qualifying, retrofitting (where needed), troubleshooting and sustaining key process/test equipment related to project, ensuring timely supply of raw material/consumables/spares, developing standard operation procedure, providing cross-training to peers when necessary
  • Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.
  • Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory.
  • Apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improve methods for use by others.

Education/Experience:
  • Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience working with scalable spray, inkjet print, slot die, and blade coat, etc, of function coatings strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience working on wet coating of perovskites strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Expert knowledge in at least one area among the following: solution-based perovskites fabrication, scalable wet coating process, such as spray coating, slot die, blade coat, and inkjet print, etc.
  • Working knowledge in selective thin film processes (ALD, CVD, PVD, Thermal evap, dry/wet etch, laser scribing, lamination, etc) and device integration.
  • Familiarity with solar cells and relevant physics devices.
  • Experience with reliability and accelerated testing.
  • Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory environment.
  • Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
  • Ability to present technical progress and findings with clear logic.
  • Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
  • Demonstrated capability to practice critical thinking and common sense, and to effectively troubleshoot process and equipment challenges.
  • Good communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance perovskite film quality at various band gap values, solar cell performance and stability, reduce/eliminate key factor driving coating/device instability during perovskite fabrication process, post-PK steps and accelerated stress tests.
  • Design and optimize synthetic routes for fabricating high-quality perovskites, utilizing various synthesis techniques that are scalable.
  • Prototype solar cell devices and conduct electrical and photophysical characterizations.
  • Meet internal program goals and personal performance goals.
  • Mentor and advise other team members working on related projects where apply, collaborate with internal and external collaborators where apply, which may involve domestic and international travel.
  • May train, mentor, and manage junior associates.
  • May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specifications for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
  • Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
  • Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Development Engineer or Manager of Device Research.
  • May have direct reports.

Travel:
  • Up to 10% domestic/international

Estimated Salary Range:
  • 104,910 USD per year- 142,000 USD per year

US Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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