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Wafer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Thorlabs

Epitaxy Engineer I

Jessup, MD

$85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry plus a minimum of 1 year experience in epitaxial wafer growth of arsenide/phosphide materials, material ...

Thorlabs

Epitaxy Engineer I

Jessup, MD · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Wafer handling experience * Experience with clean room operations * Effective oral and written communication skills * Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment * Strong ...

Vytran LLC

Epitaxy Engineer I

Jessup, MD · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Wafer handling experience * Experience with clean room operations * Effective oral and written communication skills * Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment * Strong ...

Micron

Process Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

As Process Technician's, we perform technical tests and experiments for process of R&D engineering in the wafer fabrication area of semiconductor manufacturers. You will perform the set-up of ...

Micron Technology

Process Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

As Process Technician's, we perform technical tests and experiments for process of R&D engineering in the wafer fabrication area of semiconductor manufacturers. You will perform the set-up of ...

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All JobsWafer JobsWafer Jobs in Washington

Wafer information

See Washington salary details

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How much do wafer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer in Washington is $27.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $31.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wafer job?

Wafer jobs in the semiconductor industry refer to roles involved in the manufacturing and processing of silicon wafers, which are thin slices of semiconductor material used to fabricate integrated circuits and microchips. These jobs can include wafer fabrication technicians, process engineers, equipment operators, and quality control inspectors. Employees in these positions are responsible for tasks such as monitoring production equipment, testing wafer quality, and ensuring that manufacturing processes meet strict industry standards. Wafer jobs are critical to the production of modern electronics, including computers, smartphones, and other devices.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a wafer fabrication technician?

To excel as a Wafer Fabrication Technician, you need a solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, cleanroom protocols, and a relevant technical diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with photolithography equipment, process control software, and scanning electron microscopes is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help technicians maintain high standards and resolve issues quickly. These competencies are vital for ensuring quality production, minimizing defects, and supporting the efficiency of semiconductor fabrication operations.

What are common challenges faced by wafer fabrication technicians, and how can they overcome them?

Wafer fabrication technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining a cleanroom environment, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to process protocols. Working in a highly controlled setting requires attention to detail to prevent contamination, and technicians must be prepared to address unexpected issues with manufacturing tools. Staying up-to-date with training, following safety and process guidelines, and actively communicating with engineers and team members are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth production.

What is the difference between Wafer vs Semiconductor Process Technician?

AspectWaferSemiconductor Process Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or associate degreeRequires technical training, often an associate degree or certification
Work EnvironmentCleanroom manufacturing of wafers in semiconductor fabsOperate and monitor equipment in semiconductor manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in semiconductor fabrication, focusing on wafer handling and processingInvolved in process execution, troubleshooting, and quality control in semiconductor plants

The term 'Wafer' generally refers to the silicon substrate used in semiconductor manufacturing, while a 'Semiconductor Process Technician' is a role responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that processes these wafers. Both roles are integral to semiconductor fabrication, with overlapping skills and work environments. Understanding the difference helps clarify job responsibilities and career paths within the industry.

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 positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages. The role often requires knowledge of cleanroom protocols and equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Wafer jobs in Washington?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Wafer jobs in Washington are:

Wafer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wafer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,000 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Electromechanical engineer

TiltEdge Solutions LLC

Reston, VA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position: Electromechanical engineer
Work Location: Reston VA
Payrate: $55.00/hr
 
Job Description:
  • Design 300 mm wafer chucks including vacuum chucks, edge‑grip mechanisms, compliant fingers, and kinematic supports.
  • Perform stress, deformation, and warp accommodation modeling to ensure ultra‑low wafer stress during handling.
  • Develop motion mechanisms for raise/lower (Z‑axis) and edge‑grip actuation that prevent wafer damage and meet precision requirements.
  • Ensure all designs meet ISO Class 1 cleanroom particle generation specifications and support high‑volume, 24/7 fab operation.
  • Select appropriate low‑outgassing, non‑particulating materials (e.g., PEEK, Vespel, Alumina, DLC, etc.) and coatings suitable for semiconductor tools.
  • Work with controls engineers on soft‑landing, jerk‑limited motion profiles, and closed‑loop sensing for wafer presence, alignment, and force control.
  • Conduct FEA simulations for thin‑wafer stress, contact mechanics, modal behavior, and static/dynamic loads.
  • Perform particle testing, vacuum leak testing, wafer stress validation, and endurance testing.
  • Generate engineering documentation: DFMEA, test plans, tolerance stackups, and SEMI/ISO compliance documents.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems, electronics, materials, manufacturing) for prototype builds and tool integration.
Skill:
Technical Skills
  • 300 mm wafer handling design (edge‑grip, vacuum, kinematic support)
  • Precision chuck design & compliant mechanisms
  • FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL) - stress, modal, and contact analysis
  • Modeling warped/bowed wafers, thin‑plate mechanics
  • Cleanroom design principles - ISO Class 1, low‑particle mechanisms
  • Vacuum system design, leak‑tight sealing, He‑leak testing
Material selection for semiconductor tools:
  • PEEK, Vespel, PTFE, PPS
  • Alumina, Aluminum Nitride, Ti‑6Al‑4V
  • Hard anodize, DLC, TiN, Parylene coatings
Motion system design:
  • Linear motors, voice‑coil actuators, pneumatic micro‑actuators
  • Flexures, guides, cross‑roller bearings
  • Jerk‑limited (S‑curve) motion and soft‑landing control
  • Edge‑grip mechanism design with low clamping forces
  • Tolerance analysis, GD&T, DFMEA, DOE
  • Semiconductor standards familiarity: SEMI M1, M49, E57, E84, ISO 14644
Metrology & Testing Skills
  • Warp, bow, TTV measurement techniques
  • Particle measurement and contamination control
  • Vacuum integrity tests (helium mass spectrometer, pressure decay)
  • Wafer alignment and edge detection sensors (optical/capacitive)
  • Reliability testing for 24/7 fab duty
Software Skills
  • CAD: SolidWorks, Creo, NX
  • Simulation tools: ANSYS/Abaqus/COMSOL
  • Data tools: MATLAB, Python
  • Motion/controls: Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens/Omron PLCs
Soft Skills
  • Strong cross‑functional collaboration
  • Root cause analysis (8D, 5‑Whys, Ishikawa)
  • Clear documentation & communication
  • Ownership and design‑for‑reliability mindset