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Wafer Probe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ITest Inc is looking for a skilled Semiconductor Test Operator to join our growing team in San Jose ... Prior experience in semiconductor testing, wafer probing, or back-end manufacturing a plus

ITest Inc is looking for a skilled Semiconductor Test Operator to join our growing team in San Jose ... Prior experience in semiconductor testing, wafer probing, or back-end manufacturing a plus

ITest Inc is looking for a skilled Semiconductor Test Operator to join our growing team in San Jose ... Prior experience in semiconductor testing, wafer probing, or back-end manufacturing a plus

Operador de prueba de semiconductores

San Jose, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $26.25/hr

ITest Inc is looking for a skilled Semiconductor Test Operator to join our growing team in San Jose ... Prior experience in semiconductor testing, wafer probing, or back-end manufacturing a plus

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical ... Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices * Experience supporting ...

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical ... Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices * Experience supporting ...

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled lab operator with experience in precision optical ... Familiarity with wafer probing, optical characterization, or MEMS devices * Experience supporting ...

NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Proven experience with automated wafer probe station, VNA systems, design of probe cards and data analysis of RF test data * Experience leading and directing operators * Proficiency in JMP ...

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Wafer Probe Operator information

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How much do wafer probe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer probe operator in the United States is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wafer probe operator?

Wafer Probe Operators are technicians who operate specialized equipment to test semiconductor wafers for functionality and quality before they are cut into individual chips. They work in cleanroom environments, handling sensitive machinery that uses tiny probes to make electrical contact with the wafer's circuits. Their responsibilities include setting up probe stations, running automated or manual tests, analyzing test data, and recording results. This role is critical in ensuring that only wafers meeting strict standards proceed further in the chip manufacturing process.

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

To thrive as a Wafer Probe Operator, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, basic electronics knowledge, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with wafer probing equipment, automated test systems, and data entry software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate testing, minimize defects, and support efficient production in highly technical and quality-driven environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by a wafer probe operator, and how can they be managed?

Wafer Probe Operators often encounter challenges such as handling delicate semiconductor wafers without causing damage, maintaining accuracy during testing, and troubleshooting probe card issues. High attention to detail and following strict cleanroom protocols are essential to prevent contamination and ensure test reliability. Collaborating closely with engineers and maintenance teams helps quickly address equipment malfunctions and optimize testing processes, allowing operators to manage workflow efficiently and uphold quality standards.

What is the difference between Wafer Probe Operator vs Test Technician?

AspectWafer Probe OperatorTest Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on probe equipmentHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCleanroom, semiconductor manufacturing facilityElectronics lab or manufacturing setting
Job FocusHandling and testing wafers with probe stationsTesting assembled electronic components or devices
Industry UsageSemiconductor manufacturingElectronics manufacturing and testing

While both roles involve testing electronic components, a Wafer Probe Operator specializes in testing semiconductor wafers using probe stations, whereas a Test Technician works on testing finished electronic devices or components. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific focus within the manufacturing process.

What are popular job titles related to Wafer Probe Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Wafer Probe Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,852 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

MEMS Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Founded in 1991, Silicon Microstructures, Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems ("MEMS") that lie at the heart of the advanced sensing market, enabling devices in the medical, industrial, digital consumer, security, and automotive sectors.
The company has established itself as a premier provider of MEMS-based pressure sensors for a range of markets, supplying advanced high and low-pressure sensor products that meet the stringent requirements for medical, industry and consumer safety. Silicon Microstructures' design, production and quality control processes have enabled it to develop both the smallest and smartest pressure sensors available today. SMI offers a wide range of pressure sensors, including uncompensated sensors, temperature compensated and calibrated products as well as sensors systems consisting of an ASIC paired with a sensor die in a custom package.
Job Description
The Back End Process Engineer will drive yield improvements and implement more automation in the back end manufacturing processes at SMI. The responsibilities include sustaining and improvement of wafer probing, wafer dicing, automated optical inspection (AOI), wafer mapping, and automated die pick and place processes.
The engineer will work in collaboration with the production and R&D team to develop high yielding products with great deal of attention to develop processes optimized for automation and manufacturability. The engineer will play an active role in quality improvement in the framework of SMI's IATF16949 quality management system.
Essential Functions
  • Drive yield improvements through advanced automated wafer inspection
  • Manage electronic wafer map handling with database communications
  • Sustain and improve wafer probing / wafer dicing
  • Optimize processes by running DOEs and use of SPC to improve yield
  • Participate in successful Continuous Improvement Programs (CIP) to improve cost and manufacturability
  • Support the development of new processes in collaboration with R&D to enable new technologies / products
  • Lead and support capital equipment projects including qualification and tool release to production
  • Analyze and verify data for disposition non-conforming material
  • Define containment, corrective and preventive actions for process failures
  • Responsible for process stability of equipment and documentation for assigned production module
  • Document and present process changes and experimental results to process review board
  • Train Operators and solicit feedback to optimize manufacturability
  • Create and update product documentation as needed

Qualifications
  • MS degree in Electrical Engineering is required
  • Minimum of 5 years of work experience with automated vision systems
  • Candidates with substantial university lab experience would count as work experience
  • Knowledge of wafer test, inspection and wafer mapping
  • Programming skills in Visual Basic and Labview
  • Experience with Database integration
  • Position requires candidate to spend majority of working hours in the clean room environment
  • Experienced with problem solving and good time management skills
  • Knowledge of MS Office (Access, Excel, Word, Power point) and Statistical software tools
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-Starter, self-motivated with the ability to work effectively in a team environment

Additional Desired Skills and Experience
  • 2 - 3 years of work experience in MEMS/ Semiconductor wafer fab
  • Experienced with release of products, procedures, yield management and SPC
  • Labview skill to develop new programs
  • Python skills including ability to modify existing or write new Python programs
  • Previous experience with wafer probing and test automation is desired
  • Experience with STDF test data format
  • Experience with general wafer mapping formats such as Klarf, XML wafer maps and map conversion
  • Working knowledge of DOE, ANOVA, SPC in production environment
  • Knowledge of standard metrology equipment used in semiconductor/MEMS fabrication
  • Knowledge of ISO9001 or TS16949 quality systems

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.