Process Engineer – Dry Etch

Ignite Human Capital; Temecula (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Human Capital is seeking a Dry Etch Process Engineer to develop manufacturable, repeatable, and high-yielding dry-etch processes for advanced devices. This hands-on role spans RIE, DRIE, MRIE, and ICP, supporting aerospace, defense, and high-speed communications applications.

You will influence product lines and ensure quality through metrology-driven decisions. Responsibilities include tuning processes, guiding technicians, and driving continuous improvement in wafer fabrication while

Qualifications

• BS in EE/Materials/Physics/Chemistry with 9+ years, MS with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years
• Experience with dry etch processes in semiconductor fabrication
• Capable of operating processing tools and inspecting wafers

Responsibilities

• Tune and run dry etch processes for fab operation
• Support new product/process introductions and ensure device performance
• Guide technicians through complex steps
• Interpret metrology results and disposition lots
• Summarize metrology findings for teams
• Maintain process health and SPC monitoring
• Improve wafer fabrication processes
• Collaborate with equipment, operations, and management teams
• Create and maintain process documentation and specifications
• Respond to deviations with root-cause analysis and corrective actions
• Maintain knowledge of codes and standards for equipment

Skills

RIE dry etch

DRIE

MRIE

ICP processing

SPC knowledge

data extraction/analysis

troubleshooting

process documentation

equipment operation

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry

MS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry

PhD in related field

Tools

RIE tools

DRIE tools

MRIE tools

ICP tools

Job description

Process Engineer -- Dry Etch

San Diego / Riverside, CA

Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 DOE

About the Role

We're seeking a Dry Etch Process Engineer to support the development of manufacturable, repeatable, and high-yielding processes for advanced, highly specialized devices spanning aerospace, defense, bioelectronics, and high-speed communications. This is a hands‑on role at the leading edge of silicon photonics, where your work directly shapes the performance and quality of next‑generation product lines.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with integration engineers, customers, and development engineers to run experiments and tune processes for fab operation
• Work alongside product engineering and integration teams to ensure smooth new product/process introductions and consistent device performance
• Guide and support process technicians through complex process steps
• Interpret metrology results and disposition lots against defined pass/fail criteria
• Summarize and report metrology findings, advising the integration and process development teams
• Deliver clear shift pass-downs to keep dry etch operations running without interruption
• Sustain and continuously improve wafer fabrication processes
• Partner with equipment engineering, operations, and management to strengthen cycle time, tool availability, quality, and yield
• Maintain working knowledge of all applicable codes and standards for assigned equipment using document control, work instructions, and manufacturing execution systems (MES)
• Ensure manufactured products meet specification and application requirements
• Resolve technical deviations by forming hypotheses, designing validating experiments, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, documenting improvements, and training operations
• Sustain established processes across RIE, DRIE, MRIE, ICP, microwave ashing, TCP, DRM, and barrel etching --- including recipe creation, inspection, defect control, and standard metrology (e.g., ellipsometry, profilometry)
• Author and maintain operating specifications for production processes and equipment
• Monitor process health via Statistical Process Control (SPC) and act on out-of-control events per established action plans

What You'll Bring

• Fab experience in dry etch processing using RIE, DRIE, MRIE, ICP, and microwave ashing
• Working experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Comfort with data extraction, analysis, and reporting
• Foundational understanding of semiconductor processing and algebraic concepts
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and drive to root cause
• Understanding of the maintenance activities needed to keep a process healthy and repeatable
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple overlapping tasks against deadlines
• Hands‑on capability to operate processing tools, write and run dry etch recipes, inspect wafers under a microscope, and perform particle/defect and thickness/uniformity characterization
• Availability for offset shifts --- Front-End Days (Sun--Thu) or Back-End Days (Tue--Sat)
• BS in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field + 9 years; MS + 7 years; or PhD + 4 years

Competencies

Hands‑on mindset strong communication collaboration quick learner strong interpersonal skills self‑starter prioritization accountability innovation

Work Environment

More than 80% of the work takes place in the fab --- a temperature‑controlled cleanroom requiring full-body gowning, over‑boots, over‑hood, safety glasses, and additional PPE. Expect frequent gowning/de‑gowning, potential exposure to hazardous materials, and an environment with static noise and both auditory and visual alarms.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods (up to ~3 hours) stationary, seated, standing, or walking the fab
• Extended computer monitor viewing
• Occasional pushing/pulling and lifting of 50+ lb objects (e.g., tool components), with occasional short carries
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and stooping to access tools
• Repetitive wrist/hand/finger motions; work in tight or confined spaces
• Fine and gross motor handling for carrying cassettes and lot boxes
• Constant PPE use

Compensation

Total compensation includes base salary plus overtime eligibility for non-exempt roles, along with a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), company‑paid life and disability, paid holidays and vacation, and more).

Work Authorization / ITAR

This position sits at a facility operating under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be "U.S. persons" as defined by ITAR --- a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), political asylee, or refugee.