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Wafer Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$33K - $62K/yr

As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You ...

Nokia

Principal Engineer - Wafer Fabrication

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $241K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and deploy control plans to keep photo-lithography processes operating within performance ... wafer and reticle handling and releasing more modern manufacturing tools for PIC wafers with ...

Nokia

Principal Engineer - Wafer Fabrication

Sunnyvale, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and deploy control plans to keep photo-lithography processes operating within performance ... wafer yields, simplify procedures and processes, and release new tools and processes with improved ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our products. You'll work ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$33K - $62K/yr

Job Family Description As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our products. You'll work ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA

As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our products. You'll work ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Job Family Description As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a WFAB Operator at Nokia, you will be at the heart of our innovative wafer fabrication process, producing cutting-edge integrated optical parts that are essential to our products. You'll work ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsWafer Operator JobsWafer Operator Jobs in California

Wafer Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$18

$25

How much do wafer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer operator in California is $18.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a wafer operator do during a typical shift?

As a Wafer Operator, your typical shift involves operating and monitoring various machines in a cleanroom environment, following strict protocols to ensure product quality and safety. You will regularly inspect wafers for defects, document production data, perform routine equipment maintenance, and collaborate closely with engineers and quality control specialists. Shifts may be structured on a rotating or fixed schedule, including nights or weekends, depending on the facility’s hours of operation. While the work requires adherence to precise procedures and cleanliness standards, there is also opportunity to develop technical skills and advance to more specialized roles within the semiconductor industry.

What is a wafer operator?

A Wafer Operator is responsible for handling semiconductor wafers during the manufacturing process. They operate machinery, inspect wafers for defects, and ensure production runs smoothly in a cleanroom environment. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to follow technical procedures. Wafer Operators play a key role in semiconductor fabrication, contributing to the production of microchips used in various electronic devices.

How much does a wafer operator make?

A wafer operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials can also increase overall compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wafer operator?

To thrive as a Wafer Operator, you should have strong attention to detail, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring prior manufacturing or cleanroom experience. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, semiconductor processing equipment, and cleanroom protocols is often required, and specialized safety or equipment certifications may be beneficial. Excellent teamwork, communication, and a focus on quality control are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient production of semiconductor wafers, minimize errors, and support high output quality in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wafer Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Wafer Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Wafer Operator jobs in California?

For Wafer Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wafer Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Wafer Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Wafer Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Wafer Operator job openings:

Wafer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wafer Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,330 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Nokia

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$34K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 99 rated telecommunications companies

Job description


As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia's new wafer fabrication facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling our state-of-the-art production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You will operate and support advanced automated and manual wafer fabrication equipment in a dynamic, high-tech cleanroom environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the successful startup of a new fab, where your expertise will help establish robust processes, achieve on-time delivery goals, and drive Nokia's technology leadership forward. You will collaborate closely with engineers, production teams, and fellow operators to ensure smooth ramp-up and sustained high performance.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities
  • Multi-site training at Nokia's manufacturing sites in Sunnyvale & San Jose. San Jose site will be primary.
  • Operate and maintain multiple automated wafer fabrication equipment, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Execute wafer fab processes with precision, adhering to established protocols and standards.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve production goals and timelines.
  • Monitor and report production and equipment issues to relevant teams for timely resolution.
  • Conduct regular data entry tasks accurately, maintaining up-to-date production records.
  • Manage and organize workflow while adapting to the fast-paced demands of the fab environment.
  • Demonstrate excellent hand-eye coordination while handling delicate wafers during production.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and quality.

Qualifications
You have:
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience as a Wafer Fab Operator or in semiconductor wafer processing (or equivalent cleanroom manufacturing role).
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow specifications
  • Good hand-eye coordination for handling delicate wafers
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

It would be nice if you also had:
  • Previous experience in semiconductor manufacturing or similar field
  • Experience operating automated wafer fabrication equipment
  • Familiarity with computer data entry and production reporting software
  • Knowledge of wafer fabrication processes and procedures

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