Field Service Engineer - Process Diagnostics & Control (PDC)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 106,020,000 - 146,709,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Hillsboro, OR, is seeking a Field Service Engineer (Process Diagnostics & Control) to install, maintain and upgrade advanced metrology systems used in semiconductor manufacturing.

You will troubleshoot complex hardware and software, perform preventative maintenance, and coordinate with customers to ensure peak tool performance on production lines. Travel up to 20% is required, with safety and quality as top priorities.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Associate degree, military technical training, field service experience, or trade certification.
• 4-7 years of work experience in semiconductor or equipment support.
• Strong mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, vacuum, and thermodynamics aptitude.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Install, qualify, maintain, and repair advanced PDC metrology and inspection equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance, system calibrations, and equipment upgrades.
• Diagnose complex hardware, software, optical, vacuum, and process-related issues.
• Support production-critical tools that impact wafer yield and fab productivity.
• Partner with customer engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing teams to optimize tool performance.
• Analyze tool data and system performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Execute equipment certifications and maintain compliance with standards.
• Provide timely technical support in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and knowledge-sharing across sites.
• Deliver technical training to customers and internal teams.

Skills

Field service

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree or military technical training

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Physics/Engineering

Tools

Digital multimeters

Hand tools

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:

$37.00 - $51.20

Location:

Hillsboro,OR

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.

Be the Eyes of the Fab

Are you passionate about solving complex technical problems, working with cutting-edge technology, and making a direct impact on semiconductor manufacturing?

As a Process Diagnostics & Control (PDC) Customer Engineer, you’ll support advanced inspection and metrology systems that help the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers monitor, measure, and control critical production processes. These tools are often referred to as the 'eyes of the fab' because they provide the data needed to ensure chips are built accurately and efficiently.

In this role, you’ll work hands‑on with sophisticated systems that combine optics, lasers, electron beam technology, vacuum systems, precision mechanics, and advanced software. You’ll troubleshoot complex issues, maintain critical equipment, and partner directly with customers to keep their production running at peak performance.

What You'll Do

• Install, qualify, maintain, and repair advanced PDC metrology and inspection equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance, system calibrations, and equipment upgrades.
• Diagnose complex hardware, software, optical, vacuum, and process-related issues.
• Support production-critical tools that directly impact wafer yield, process control, and fab productivity.
• Partner with customer engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing teams to optimize tool performance.
• Analyze tool data and system performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Execute equipment certifications and maintain compliance with operational standards.
• Provide timely technical support in a high‑pressure manufacturing environment where equipment uptime is critical.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and knowledge‑sharing activities across customer sites.
• Deliver technical training and guidance to customers and internal teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of an Associate degree, military technical training, field service experience, or trade certification.
• 4-7 years of work experience in semiconductor industry or other equipment support industry.
• Advanced mechanical aptitude with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum, and/or thermodynamics.
• Strong knowledge of hand tools and their appropriate usage, including digital multimeters.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport if travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Physics, Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, or related technical disciplines.
• Hands on experience with metrology and inspection equipment.

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:

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.