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Wafer Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30/hr

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

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

$19.50 - $30/hr

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

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

$19.50 - $30/hr

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 ...

Renesas Electronics

Fab Technician 1

Goleta, CA · On-site

Learn and perform MOCVD operating procedures, including pre-run checks, wafer loading/unloading, recipe execution, chamber support tasks, and basic equipment care. * Use applicable Manufacturing ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 3

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

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

$19.50 - $30/hr

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

* As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia, you will play a vital role in the production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You'll collaborate closely with a dynamic team, ensuring the setup and ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30/hr

* As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia, you will play a vital role in the production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You'll collaborate closely with a dynamic team, ensuring the setup and ...

Semtech

Operator 2, Production

Alhambra, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Wafer Fab Operator Level 1 (Op1) or Level 2 (Op2) is responsible for execution of wafer fabrication processes in an InP-based photonics manufacturing environment. This role supports the production of ...

Semtech

Operator 2, Production

Alhambra, CA

$24 - $30/hr

Wafer Fab Operator Level 1 (Op1) or Level 2 (Op2) is responsible for execution of wafer fabrication processes in an InP-based photonics manufacturing environment. This role supports the production of ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30/hr

* As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia, you will play a vital role in the production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You'll collaborate closely with a dynamic team, ensuring the setup and ...

Nokia

Semi Mfg Technician 2

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

* As a Wafer Fab Operator at Nokia, you will play a vital role in the production of cutting-edge integrated optical parts. You'll collaborate closely with a dynamic team, ensuring the setup and ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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:

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Wafer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wafer Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 3% 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.

Senior Wafer & FPA Process Engineer

Safran Defense & Space, Inc.

Camarillo, CA • On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Safran DSI Business Unit: Attollo Engineering
ABOUT OUR MISSION:
Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!
Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Attollo Engineering is a designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge infrared cameras and laser sensor systems for defense and industrial applications. Leveraging extensive expertise in the electro-optical market, systems design, and packaging, Attollo delivers superior solutions for system integrators, original equipment manufacturers, and custom applications. Their commitment to quality engineering empowers Safran DSI to provide innovative and reliable technology to its partners.
If you're ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE:
The Senior Wafer & FPA Process Engineer is responsible for the development, ownership, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes - spanning R&D and Production - for III-V semiconductor materials (GaAs, InP, InGaAs, GaSb) used in infrared detector array fabrication, and for focal plane array (FPA) back-end processes including hybridization and substrate removal that convert detector arrays into finished sensor products. The role applies design of experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC) methodologies to drive yield and reproducibility, and serves as a senior technical resource within the process engineering team, including mentorship of operators, technicians, and junior engineers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and optimize wafer-level and FPA-level fabrication processes for infrared detectors and other optoelectronic devices
  • Develop semiconductor wafer processes for III-V materials (InP, GaAs, InGaAs, GaSb), including photolithography, wet/dry etch, metal and dielectric deposition, and surface preparation/passivation
  • Develop and sustain FPA-level processes, including indium bump deposition, underfill, and substrate thinning/removal
  • Develop back-end processes including wafer dicing, die-level cleaning, and FPA inspection and screening
  • Perform failure analysis and root-cause investigations on wafer- and FPA-level yield issues and implement corrective actions
  • Create process Travelers and Work Instructions with clear instructions
  • Track processes and make notes via process travelers
  • Run designed experiments to improve process reproducibility and increase yield
  • Participate in device test data reviews and suggest process improvements to improve device performance
  • Provide engineering and operator oversight
  • Mentor and train operators, technicians, and junior engineers in process execution and cleanroom best practices
  • Ensure safe handling of process chemicals and compliance with cleanroom protocols and EHS requirements
  • Perform other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred
  • Experience with the operation of nanofabrication equipment including Photolithographic stepper, metal deposition, wet/dry etching, SEM, and plasma deposition machines
  • 7-10+ years of experience in microelectronic semiconductor fabrication and wafer handling techniques
  • Candidate should possess a proven track record of developing solutions to process development problems
  • Experience with Design of Experiments and Statistical Process Control
  • Ability to understand and analyze data related to semiconductor device performance
  • Ability to convey data analysis in an accurate and concise format and developing and delivering presentations
  • Experience with creating reports, documenting tests, and creating and reviewing process work instructions
  • Requires U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status required.

IDEALLY, YOU'LL ALSO HAVE:
  • Familiarity with infrared detector technologies (e.g., InGaAs SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and FPA/ROIC architectures
  • Experience in mask design and with mask design software
  • Program or project management experience
  • Ability to mentor team members
  • Works well in a fast-paced team environment
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Excellent writing skills and computer capabilities (MS Office, MatLab, Python)
  • Experience in MES, computer programming and software development
  • Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
  • Experience working in an ITAR environment

TRAVEL: Little travel is expected for this position, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required
SALARY RANGE: $135,000-$185,000 annual salary, plus participation in individual performance bonus plan.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
EOE/AA/M/F/Vets - US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).

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