Etch Process Engineer V - (E5)

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Stock options

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Process Engineer in Santa Clara to design and optimize manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies. You will collect data, characterize hardware, troubleshoot issues, and measure film properties while collaborating with customers and R&D teams on state‑of‑the‑art projects.

The role emphasizes hands‑on process development, documentation, and cross‑functional teamwork in a global leader delivering innovative materials solutions.

Qualifications

• MS in engineering is required.
• At least 5 years in etch process engineering.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to juggle multiple issues in 7x24 manufacturing.
• Experience interfacing with multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement etch processes for advanced test vehicles.
• Collaborate with lithography and deposition for integration schemes.
• Monitor wafer fabrication and dispositions lots in-line.
• Implement process control schemes to ensure manufacturability.
• Schedule qualifications and downtime with manufacturing teams.
• Develop and implement production-ready processes and docs.
• Train operators and technicians on processes and modifications.
• Coordinate with equipment maintenance to minimize downtime.

Skills

Etch process engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Self-motivation

Education

MS in engineering

PhD in science/engineering

Tools

Mesa etch systems

Sym3

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: $163,000.00 - $224,000.00

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.

As a Process Engineer, you\'ll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You\'ll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements new etch processes for advanced test vehicles
• Partners with other groups, including lithography and deposition to develop and implement new integration schemes
• Monitors the wafer fabrication process by responding to in-line issues and dispositions lots.
• Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability
• Coordinates the scheduling of process qualifications and equipment down time with manufacturing or equipment engineering.
• Develops and implements processes or procedures for transitioning new products into the production line
• Reviews, updates, and maintains documentation and process instructions
• Instructs operators and technicians on processes and procedures, including modifications to existing procedures
• Partners with equipment and maintenance personnel in order to minimize tool down time and integrate new tools into the production line

Required Qualifications

• Position requires MS in an engineering discipline
• 5 years’ experience in etch process engineering
• Ability to deal with multiple issues and shifting priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with multiple disciplines in a 7x24 manufacturing facility
• Good problem solving skills
• Self-motivated; able to take initiative
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Competency in troubleshooting problems

Business Expertise

• Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services

Leadership

• May lead functional teams or projects
• May mentor junior engineers

Problem Solving

• Leads others to solve complex problems; uses sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgment and identify innovative solutions

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in a science/engineering field. Physics, chemistry, materials science.
• Experience with interaction with chip manufacturers and the process/integration schemes.
• Detailed knowledge of plasma-etch processing and the associated hardware.
• Knowledge of advanced patterning processes for state-of-the-art logic and memory devices,
• Familiarity with Applied Materials etch systems, i.e. Mesa, Sym3

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

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.