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Wafer Fab Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Polar Semiconductor

Operator - D Shift

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$19/hr

Wafer Fabrication Operator Shift: D Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday 5 ... fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced ...

Polar Semiconductor

Operator - D Shift

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$19/hr

Wafer Fabrication Operator Shift: D Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday 5 ... fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced ...

Polar Semiconductor

Operator - D Shift

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$19/hr

Wafer Fabrication Operator Shift: D Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday 5 ... fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced ...

Polar Semiconductor

Operator - B Shift

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$19/hr

Job Title: Wafer Fabrication Operator Shift: B Shift - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other ... fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced ...

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All JobsWafer Fab Operator JobsWafer Fab Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Wafer Fab Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$18

$25

How much do wafer fab operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer fab operator in Minnesota is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wafer fab operator?

A Wafer Fab Operator is a technician who works in a semiconductor manufacturing facility, also known as a wafer fabrication plant or 'fab.' They are responsible for operating and monitoring equipment that produces silicon wafers used in electronic devices like microchips. Their duties often include loading and unloading wafers, performing inspections, maintaining a cleanroom environment, and following strict safety and process protocols. Wafer Fab Operators play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and efficiency of semiconductor production.

What does a wafer fab operator do?

As a wafer fab operator, you are responsible for performing fabrication or electrical wafer test operations. You set up, operate, load, and monitor a machine and equipment to inspect/verify the quality of the product that is produced. You are responsible for recording and analyzing data. You ensure the processing environment is clean by following written specs and performing several operations. You also maintain awareness of safety policies and procedures. You communicate with a team member to ensure production flow and discuss workforce needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wafer fab operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Wafer Fab Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, keen attention to detail, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes. Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, automated fabrication equipment, and process control systems is essential, and some employers may require specialized training or certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators adapt to fast-paced environments and address production issues efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality semiconductor products, minimize errors, and support smooth operations in the highly technical wafer fabrication process.

What are some typical challenges encountered by wafer fab operators, and how can they be addressed?

Wafer Fab Operators often face challenges such as maintaining strict cleanliness standards in cleanroom environments, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring high accuracy during repetitive tasks. These challenges can be addressed by adhering closely to safety and process protocols, proactively communicating with engineering and maintenance teams when issues arise, and staying up to date with regular training on new equipment or procedures. Effective teamwork and attention to detail are crucial for producing high-quality semiconductor products and minimizing costly errors.

What is the difference between Wafer Fab Operator vs Semiconductor Process Technician?

AspectWafer Fab OperatorSemiconductor Process Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentCleanroom manufacturing facilities, operating equipmentCleanroom and laboratory settings, overseeing process steps
Job FocusOperating and monitoring equipment in wafer fabricationMaintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing manufacturing processes

While both roles work in semiconductor manufacturing and require cleanroom experience, Wafer Fab Operators primarily focus on operating equipment, whereas Semiconductor Process Technicians handle process maintenance and troubleshooting. The roles are complementary, with the technician often overseeing multiple operators to ensure quality and efficiency.

How much does a wafer fab operator make?

A wafer fab operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the manufacturing environment. Entry-level operators may start at lower wages, while experienced technicians with certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of cleanroom procedures and equipment operation.
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Wafer Fab Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wafer Fab Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,031 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Operator - D Shift

Polar Semiconductor

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Wafer Fabrication Operator

Shift: D Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday 5:50 pm - 6:00 am

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Wafer Fabrication Operator to support semiconductor manufacturing processes in a cleanroom environment. In this role, you will perform wafer processing steps such as photoresist application, alignment, exposure, development, etching, and cleaning. Your work will directly impact wafer quality, yield performance, and overall production efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Perform assigned wafer fabrication processes across functional areas including Photo, Etch, Thin Films, Metal Deposition, Diffusion, Epi, and LPCVD.
Inspect wafers to ensure they meet process specifications and quality standards.
Accurately log processed and in-process wafers using the Net Vision system.
Follow established methods, procedures, and safety guidelines in all production tasks.
Support initiatives such as quality programs, 5S, yield improvement, safety, and cost containment.
Perform additional duties as required to support production operations.
Train and support lower-level operators as progression and certification levels increase.

Qualifications

Required:

High School Diploma or GED
Basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and communication skills
Ability to follow established procedures and work independently
Manual dexterity for handling wafers, cassettes, and cleanroom tools
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods in a cleanroom environment
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 10 pounds
Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and high-temperature equipment (550-800C)

Preferred experience:

Experience working in a cleanroom or semiconductor manufacturing environment
Prior exposure to wafer processing equipment or ISO/quality-controlled environments

What We Offer

Compensation: $19.00 an hour plus applicable shift differential. (good-faith estimate)


Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off starting on day one
401(k) plan with generous company match
Tuition assistance
Disability and life insurance
Legal and ID theft insurance
Employee Assistance Program

About Us

At Polar Semiconductor, we're on a mission to fulfill our future as the U.S.-based manufacturing partner of choice for differentiated power and sensor technologies. With a $525M investment from the CHIPS Act, the state of Minnesota, and private equity, we are looking for the best in the industry to help Polar transform from a captive fab to a pure-play foundry. We are doubling our manufacturing capacity and investing in advanced BCD and wide bandgap technologies such as GaN. Polar has a long history in manufacturing automotive-grade semiconductors and we are expanding into strategic markets such as national defense and AI data centers. We pride ourselves on state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed.

Polar Semiconductor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. Sponsorship is not available for this role now or in the future.

*This position may require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency status in the future depending on federal requirements.

*Sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future

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