Process Engineering Manager (Newport Beach)

We are seeking an experienced Wet Etch Process Engineering Manager to lead and develop a high‑performing team within a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring deep technical expertise in wet etch processing, combined with the ability to manage, mentor, and grow engineering talent.

You will be responsible for sustaining process control, driving continuous improvement, supporting capacity expansion, overseeing new technology development and transfers, improving quality, and leading cost‑reduction initiatives.

This position is 100% on‑site in Newport Beach, CA and MUST have semiconductor fabrication plant industry experience!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of wet etch process engineers and technicians
• Set clear expectations and provide consistent coaching, feedback, and performance development
• Maintain and improve wet etch process control to ensure stable, high‑quality manufacturing performance
• Troubleshoot technical issues and lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts
• Drive continuous improvement, yield enhancement, and cost‑reduction initiatives
• Increase operational flexibility by qualifying processes across multiple wet etch tool platforms
• Support qualification and production ramp of new equipment and technologies
• Partner with Operations and Equipment Engineering to resolve manufacturing challenges and meet output targets
• Serve as the subject matter expert for wet etch processes and integration challenges
• Develop process specifications for new technologies and transition qualified processes into production
• Support capital planning by justifying and implementing new process equipment
• Collaborate with cross‑functional and cross‑site technical teams to benchmark performance and implement best practices
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, and high performance

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of wet etch process engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree
• (or 3+ years with an advanced degree)
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a semiconductor fabrication environment
• Hands‑on management experience with strong technical depth in wet etch processes
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering talent
• Strong knowledge of wet etch processes, materials, and integration challenges
• Experience with industry‑standard wet process equipment platforms
• (Akrion, DNS, SEZ, and/or Semitool highly preferred)
• Solid understanding of advanced CMOS and/or RF wafer processing technologies and device yield interactions
• Strong analytical skills, including DOE methodologies and statistical analysis
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to lead teams and solve complex technical problems
• Prior experience in a semiconductor fabrication plant is required

Nice to Have

• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Familiarity with statistical software tools
• Experience supporting capacity expansion or capital equipment planning

Additional Information

• Work Arrangement: 100% on‑site (Newport Beach, CA)

This position is paying 180-208k annually depending on experience and other factors.