Applications Engineer – Semiconductor 3D X-ray Solutions

Applied Materials; Benicia (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Benicia, CA is seeking a Senior Applications Engineer for 3D X-ray solutions in semiconductor inspection and analysis. You will lead system demonstrations for customers, develop new applications, and provide input to product development based on real-world needs.

You will collaborate with internal teams, train customers, and design robust workflows while traveling up to 25–30% domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in a relevant technical field.
• 3–5 years of semiconductor-related experience.
• Hands-on experiment design, data analysis, and results delivery in customer settings.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international).

Responsibilities

• Lead system demonstrations for semiconductor customers, including fabs, FA labs, and R&D centers.
• Develop new applications and methodologies tailored to semiconductor devices, processes, and packaging technologies.
• Provide critical input to product development by informing system specifications based on customer needs and application gaps.
• Deliver advanced customer training on system operation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows.
• Design, develop, and optimize robust workflows for semiconductor inspection and analysis.
• Perform tool characterization, benchmarking, and baseline performance studies for semiconductor use cases.
• Serve as a technical leader in customer-facing support activities, including: delivering high-impact technical presentations and demos; supporting industry conferences; authoring technical papers.

Skills

Experiment design

Data analysis

Customer-facing

Travel up to 30%

Semiconductor domain experience

Education

BS/MS in Materials Science, Physics, EE, or related

Tools

X-ray CT

SEM

FIB

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary:
$108,000.00 - $148,500.00
Location:
Benicia,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.

Key Responsibilities

through in-depth understanding of customer technologies and critical gaps and work throughout the work cycle until the implementation of the solution
Technically leads difficult, complex application activities and team
Leads the execution teams ß-sites, evaluation and demos at customers site, through high involvement in the SOW and commitment schedule
Interfaces with the customer regarding technical requirements analysis and schedule
Define/approve Product application support plans for installation
Create & Lead new methodologies in order to optimized system performance for specific application
Analysis, Develop and Transfer new application capabilities in the system envelope from product division to customer application support team
Lead customer Technical review meetings

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines

Business Expertise

• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Problem Solving

• Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Impact

• Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies

Interpersonal Skills

• Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus

Senior Applications Engineer – Semiconductor 3D X-ray Solutions

As an Applications Engineer, you will join an exciting and growing team of scientists, engineers, and research professionals, focused on advancing 3D X-ray solutions for semiconductor applications. You will collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to enable cutting-edge inspection, metrology, and failure analysis workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system demonstrations for semiconductor customers, including fabs, FA labs, and R&D centers
• Develop new applications and methodologies tailored to semiconductor devices, processes, and packaging technologies
• Provide critical input to product development by informing system specifications based on customer needs and application gaps
• Deliver advanced customer training on system operation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows
• Design, develop, and optimize robust workflows for semiconductor inspection and analysis
• Perform tool characterization, benchmarking, and baseline performance studies for semiconductor use cases
• Serve as a technical leader in customer-facing support activities, including:
  • Delivering high-impact technical presentations and demos
  • Supporting industry conferences and trade shows
  • Authoring technical papers and presenting at conferences

Customer Base

Our customers include semiconductor manufacturing facilities (fabs), failure analysis (FA) laboratories, and advanced R&D organizations working at the forefront of device innovation.

Role Impact

In this role, you will act as a key technical interface between engineering, sales, and marketing, serving as the voice of the semiconductor customer. You will partner with external clients and internal development teams to:

• Establish best-in-class workflows for routine semiconductor inspection and analysis
• Identify and unlock new applications of 3D X-ray technology across front-end and back-end processes
• Solve high-value problems (HVPs) related to yield, reliability, process development, and advanced packaging

Essential Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline)
• 3–5 years of experience in a semiconductor-related field (e.g., fabs, failure analysis, metrology, or process development)
• Hands‑on experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and delivering results in a commercial or customer‑facing environment
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international)

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in microscopy or advanced imaging techniques (e.g., X-ray CT, SEM, FIB)
• Working knowledge of X‑ray absorption principles and imaging/optical fundamentals
• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment, particularly in inspection, metrology, or FA workflows
• Familiarity with advanced semiconductor technologies (e.g., 3D IC, heterogeneous integration, advanced packaging)

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time
Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
Travel: Yes, 25% 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.