2026 NCG - Process Technician - Undergrad (Santa Clara, CA)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. is seeking a Process Technician in Santa Clara, CA to prepare wafers for experimentation, operate reactors for thin film processes, and conduct SEM analyses.

You will record process conditions, perform routine maintenance, and evaluate wafers and films to ensure quality and reliability. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, instrument handling, and driving productivity within our manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school or technical diploma, military technical training, or trade certification.
• Up to 1 year of related experience.
• 1–2 years of work experience in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wafers for experimentation, including cleaning and reactor preparation.
• Operate reactors to perform thin film processes and SEM analyses.
• Record process conditions and observations; perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Evaluate wafers and thin films; identify patterns in imaging.

Education

High school or technical diploma, military technical training, or trade certification

1–2 years of work experience in a related field

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting‑edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary: $22.00 - $30.25 Location: Santa Clara,CA You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

Role Responsibilities

As a Process Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and imaging. You'll record process conditions and experimental observations, perform routine maintenance procedures, and evaluate wafers and thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross‑section samples for analysis, identifying patterns of interest in imaging, and operating laboratory process equipment and instrumentation. Your expertise in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and process optimization drives higher levels of productivity, quality, and efficiency in our manufacturing processes. Prepare wafers for experimentation to include cleaning and preparation of reactors Prepare cross‑section samples for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis Operate reactors to perform thin film processes, under supervision. Operate scanning electron microscope for cross‑section and top‑view, critical dimension (CD), or energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and imaging Identify some patterns of interest in imaging Record process conditions and experimental observations Understand basic scanning electron microscope (SEM) principles Responsible for single technology products Perform scanning electron microscope (SEM) system software alignment functions Evaluate wafers and thin films Perform routine maintenance procedures including flash and plasma clean Effectively operate laboratory process equipment and instrumentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school or technical diploma, military technical training, or trade certification Up to 1 year of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

1–2 years of work experience in a related field

Physical Requirements:

This position often requires extensive walking, standing for extended periods of time, working in tight spaces, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, working at height, lifting up to 35 lbs., the ability to distinguish between colors and working with electricity, the ability to work in an environment with noise that may be difficult for some individuals with sensitivity to noise, and the use of hand and power tools. Additionally, because this position generally involves working in a clean room, it requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, chemical aprons, and face shields.

Additional Information:

Time Type: Full time Employee Type: New College Grad Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time Relocation Eligible: Yes The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable. For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement. Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.