Contamination Control & Validation Engineer (Semiconductors)

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Cleaning, Contamination Control & Validation Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. You will partner with Engineering to develop cleaning methods, control strategies, and new detection tools across the product lifecycle, from suppliers to field operations.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, performing risk assessments, and shaping contamination control documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• 7–10 years of semiconductor experience, preferably fabrication.
• Experience with environmental, health monitoring and testing in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Authored validation protocols and contamination control documentation.
• Strong knowledge of FMEA, risk management, and control plans.
• Familiarity with clean room protocols, SEMI and ISO standards.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or MBA) in a relevant field.
• CQE or equivalent certification; Six Sigma with QMS proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop cleaning methods and contamination control solutions for current and advanced node equipment.
• Map end-to-end flow from supply chain to field to identify contamination points.
• Perform risk assessments (FMEA) at each process stage.
• Define contamination categories relevant to each stage and equipment.
• Qualify cleaning processes and contamination control requirements for new technology.
• Maintain a live risk register and remediate identified gaps.
• Handle customer escalations related to cleaning and contamination.
• Develop, evaluate and qualify new detection methods and tools for contamination detection.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for contamination events.
• Publish best known methods for contamination control.

Skills

FMEA

Risk management

Control plans

Cross-functional collaboration

Six Sigma

Quality documentation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Advanced degree (M.S. or MBA)

CQE certification or equivalent

Tools

QMS (Quality Management Systems)

SEMI standards

ISO standards

Job description

Applied Materials is seeking a Cleaning, Contamination Control & Validation Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. You will partner with Engineering to develop cleaning methods, control strategies, and new detection tools across the product lifecycle, from suppliers to field operations.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, performing risk assessments, and shaping contamination control documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.