Customer Engineer - PDC (SEM Inspection and Metrology)

Applied Materials; United States; On-site; USD 42,705 - 58,410; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Malta, NY, seeks a Field Service Engineer to install, maintain, and upgrade SEM-based inspection systems at customer sites. You will diagnose issues using standard tests with senior engineers, perform preventive and corrective maintenance on electron beam, vacuum, and electrical/mechanical subsystems, and collaborate with customers to optimize defect inspection and yield.

The role requires 4–7 years in semiconductor equipment support, strong mechanical/electrical

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical training, or equivalent experience (Bachelor’s preferred).
• 4–7 years of experience in semiconductor equipment support or related field.
• Experience with SEM tools or e-beam inspection systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with vacuum systems, electron beam fundamentals, and precision motion systems.
• Basic understanding of semiconductor processes and defect/yield concepts.
• Solid communication skills and basic Microsoft Office knowledge.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Experience diagnosing and resolving basic technical challenges.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum, or thermodynamics.
• Familiarity with hand tools and their appropriate usage, including digital multimeters.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport, if travel is required.
• Able to meet all on-site requirements, including safety, environmental guidelines, and COVID-19 protocols.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and upgrade Applied Materials PDC SEM-based inspection systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment using standard diagnostics, with support from senior engineers as needed.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on electron beam, vacuum, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Support customers in improving defect inspection performance and yield.
• Work with customers and internal teams to understand process flows and inspection requirements.
• Communicate directly with customers to ensure tool uptime and performance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Communication skills

Vacuum systems

Pneumatics & hydraulics

Attention to safety

Education

Associate degree / technical training

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SEM tools

E-beam inspection systems

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.

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: $31.00 - $42.40
• Location: Malta,NY

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.

As a Field Service Engineer [Customer Engineer] at Applied Materials, you serve as the direct liaison with customers, collaborating closely to install, maintain, and upgrade equipment. You'll use digital analytics for troubleshooting and apply basic diagnostic techniques to assess and address technical issues. Your responsibilities include performing preventative and corrective maintenance on various systems such as electrical, vacuum, mechanical, plasma, hydraulic, and gas systems. Additionally, you'll coordinate and communicate directly with customers to ensure smooth operations and exceptional service.

Role Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and upgrade Applied Materials PDC SEM-based inspection systems
• Troubleshoot equipment using standard diagnostics, with support from senior engineers as needed
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on electron beam, vacuum, electrical, and mechanical systems
• Support customers in improving defect inspection performance and yield
• Work with customers and internal teams to understand process flows and inspection requirements
• Communicate directly with customers to ensure tool uptime and performance

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical training, or equivalent experience (Bachelor’s preferred)
• 4–7 years of experience in semiconductor equipment support or related field
• Experience with SEM tools or e-beam inspection systems
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with vacuum systems, electron beam fundamentals, and precision motion systems
• Basic understanding of semiconductor processes and defect/yield concepts
• Solid communication skills and basic Microsoft Office knowledge
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics
• Experience diagnosing and resolving basic technical challenges
• Basic mechanical aptitude with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum, or thermodynamics
• Familiarity with hand tools and their appropriate usage, including digital multimeters
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport, if travel is required.
• Able to meet all on-site requirements, including safety, environmental guidelines, and COVID-19 protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–4 years of work experience in customer/field service support, or a related technical 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: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 20% 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.