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Wafer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Semiconductor Wafer Fab * Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing * Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM * Inspection, SPC ...

Semiconductor Wafer Fab * Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing * Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM * Inspection, SPC ...

Semiconductor Wafer Fab * Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing * Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM * Inspection, SPC ...

Perform various wafer measurements, make calculations, and enter data into SPC (Statistical Process Control) systems. React as needed to limit warnings and alarms. * Properly complete documentation ...

Semiconductor Wafer Fab * Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing * Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM * Inspection, SPC ...

Semiconductor Wafer Fab * Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing * Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM * Inspection, SPC ...

Wafer Fab Operator

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$22.50 - $25/hr

Transport/deliver wafer lots throughout the cleanroom 100,000 square feet * Perform data entry and visual quality control * Collaborate with team to resolve quality and productivity challenges

Wafer Fab Operator

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Perform various wafer measurements, make calculations, and enter data into SPC (Statistical Process Control) systems. React as needed to limit warnings and alarms. * Properly complete documentation ...

Transport/deliver wafer lots throughout the cleanroom 100,000 square feet * Perform data entry and visual quality control * Collaborate with team to resolve quality and productivity challenges

Job Title Senior Director, WW Wafer Planning Location Plano, TX - Onsite About the Role The Senior Director, Wafer Planning leads the company's global wafer planning strategy across internal fabs and ...

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Wafer information

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$14

$24

$38

How much do wafer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for wafer in the United States is $24.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wafer Fabrication Technician, and why are they important?

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 some 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 are wafer jobs in the semiconductor industry?

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 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.

More about Wafer jobs
What cities are hiring for Wafer jobs? Cities with the most Wafer job openings:
What states have the most Wafer jobs? States with the most job openings for Wafer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wafer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,210 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Wafer Fab Technician

Coherent Corp.

Fremont, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Description
About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world's communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.
Coherent's broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs.
Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades.
  • Semiconductor Wafer Fab
  • Photolithography, Wet Etch, Dry Etch, Plating, Lapping, Polishing, Deposition, Sawing
  • Stepper, ICP, RIE, PECVD, Profilometer, AFM, CD, SEM
  • Inspection, SPC, Characterization, Quality Control
  • ISO 9000, 14000, Cleanroom, ESD

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Process InP semiconductor wafers in a cleanroom and ESD-safe environment
  • Become certified in multiple process areas such as:
    • Photolithography (aligner, stepper, cluster coater, developer, asher)
    • Wet etch (semi-automated and automated tools)
    • Dry etch (ICP, RIE)
    • Thin-film deposition (PECVD)
    • Metallization/plating (Ebeam, Sputter, anneal, liftoff)
    • Lapping/polishing
    • Characterization (CDSEM, AFM, profilometer, stressometer, etc.)
  • Handle chemicals (acids, solvents, plating solutions, polishing slurry) with caution and following safety protocol
  • Follow the process flow using traveler and MES (manufacturing execution system) such as CAMSTAR
  • Enter wafer characterization data and WIP location information into MES
  • Interact with engineering for process training and execution of non-standard work instructions on engineering material
  • Able to record and verify discrepancies using travelers and MES on all testing processes, make modification and escalate issues if needed.
  • Able to stand for duration of shift
  • Participate and certify for ERT (emergency response team)
  • Ability to provide process training to coworkers using hands-on demonstration and interpretation of agile document.

Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • At least 2 years of working experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment is desired
  • Wafer handling preferred

Skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Good at working with small parts
  • Experience with semi-automated and automated processing tools
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Willing to work Overtime and be part of the ERT (Emergency Response Team)
  • Meticulous and thorough; diligent with data entry and follow workflow
  • Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend English required
  • Integrity and self-motivated
  • Ability to work in fast paced team and independent setting all within a clean room
  • Knowledge of machining, construction, electrical useful

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.
  • Various shifts available, ie 3/10 shift, 12-hour shift
    • AM shift - Thursday - Saturday and every other Wednesday 5am - 5:00 pm
  • Schedules are subject to change based on production demands.
  • Candidate to work on-site in a cleanroom environment where strict cleanliness rules will be enforced.

Physical Requirements
  • Able to stand for duration of shift when needed

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.