FIB TEM Systems Engineer

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking an experienced FIB/TEM System Engineer to own and improve semiconductor metrology equipment. You will lead installation, qualification, and maintenance activities, while coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure reliable operation and continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes uptime, root cause analysis, and collaboration across multiple teams to support product development and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics or related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, analytical, or R&D equipment
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment ownership for assigned semiconductor metrology tools
• Plan installation, calibration, qualification, and acceptance testing activities
• Perform root cause analyses and implement CAPAs
• Drive uptime, reliability, and preventive maintenance initiatives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Education

Mechanical Eng

Electrical Eng

Mechatronics Eng

Physics/Materials

Tools

FIB

TEM

SEM

Atomic Probe Tomography

Thin film deposition

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.

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:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

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 an Electrical Engineer, you are responsible for designing, modifying, and troubleshooting electrical or electronic engineering assemblies, layouts, schematics, and drawings to advance the equipment that supports our technology. Using your technical experience and critical thinking skills, you will perform engineering analysis, generate test reports, develop innovative solutions, and create documentation for product releases. You will also coordinate the procurement and assembly of components, identify sources of critical parts, and resolve technical issues to ensure peak performance.

Position Summary

The FIB/TEM System Engineer is responsible for the technical ownership, reliability, performance, qualification, and continuous improvement of semiconductor process and metrology equipment. This role serves as the subject matter expert for assigned tools and works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Product Development, Technicians, and OEM suppliers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient equipment operation.

The Engineer drives equipment uptime, qualification readiness, root cause analysis, preventive maintenance strategies, and process improvements to support product development, manufacturing, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Ownership

• Serve as the primary technical owner for assigned semiconductor metrology tools .
• Develop and maintain equipment performance standards, operating procedures, and maintenance strategies.
• Monitor equipment health, reliability, availability, and utilization metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement activities to enhance equipment performance and productivity.

Equipment Qualification & Validation

• Plan and execute installation, calibration, qualification, and acceptance testing activities.
• Develop qualification plans, test procedures, and validation protocols.
• Ensure tools consistently meet engineering specifications and performance requirements.
• Support new equipment introduction, commissioning, and decommissioning activities.

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts involving mechanical, electrical, vacuum, controls, software, and automation systems.
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurring issues.
• Escalate critical issues and coordinate resolution with cross-functional teams and OEM suppliers.

Reliability & Uptime Management

• Analyze equipment performance data, failure trends, and maintenance history.
• Develop reliability improvement roadmaps and preventive maintenance programs.
• Identify chronic tool issues and drive permanent corrective actions.
• Establish KPIs for uptime, MTBF, MTTR, and maintenance effectiveness.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Coordinate activities with equipment manufacturers and service providers.
• Evaluate vendor technical capabilities and support plans.
• Review service reports and ensure quality execution of vendor maintenance activities.
• Manage equipment-related service contracts and support agreements.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop and maintain operating procedures, PM instructions, qualification reports, and engineering documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Applied Materials safety policies, SEMI standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate equipment records, logs, calibration history, and maintenance documentation.

Project Leadership

• Lead equipment upgrade, retrofit, and continuous improvement projects and lab expansion
• Assess technical risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Support capacity expansion and technology development programs.
• Provide project updates, schedules, and status reporting to management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Metrology Production, BU Process Engineering, Quality, Facilities, and Operations teams.
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and provide equipment-related recommendations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Physics
• Materials Science
• Or related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of experience supporting semiconductor metrology, analytical, or R&D equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, vacuum, controls, and automation systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the following semiconductor process or metrology tools:
• FIB
• TEM
• SEM
• Atomic Probe Tomography
• Thin film deposition systems
• Supporting equipment such as chiller, UPS, coater, scriber
• Knowledge of:
• SEMI E10 equipment reliability standards
• SPC methodologies
• Reliability engineering
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques
• Experience working with OEM suppliers and service organizations.
• Project management experience.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and equipment monitoring systems.

Success Profile

• Demonstrates strong technical ownership and accountability.
• Uses data-driven decision making to improve equipment performance.
• Solves complex problems independently.
• Collaborates effectively across engineering and operations organizations.
• Drives continuous improvement in safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.
• Acts as a technical mentor and trusted subject matter expert.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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.