Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Technician

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a skilled FIB/SEM/TEM technician to support semiconductor failure analysis, process development, and metrology activities. The role focuses on preparing high-quality samples using FIB, and operating SEM/TEM instruments with a collaborative engineering team.

The ideal candidate has hands-on lab experience with FIB/SEM/TEM, strong safety practices, and the ability to read specifications to ensure precise sample preparation and imaging for customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Technical cert or equivalent in a related field.
• Hands-on FIB technician experience in semiconductor labs.
• Experience preparing TEM lamella samples with FIB.
• Working knowledge of SEM, FIB, TEM fundamentals.
• Ability to read engineering instructions and prep requirements.
• Proficiency with Outlook and Office apps.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs in lab.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for experimentation and set up analytical investigations.
• Operate SEM, FIB, TEM and metrology tools.
• Perform imaging, CD measurements and EDS analysis.
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment and SOPs.

Education

Technical certification or equivalent in related field

Tools

SEM

FIB

TEM

Microsoft Office

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.

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: $33.00 - $45.70 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 Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and imaging. You'll record process conditions and experimental observations, perform routine maintenance procedures, and evaluate wafers and thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis, identifying patterns of interest in imaging, and operating laboratory process equipment and instrumentation. Your expertise in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and process optimization drives higher levels of productivity, quality, and efficiency in our manufacturing processes.

Position Summary

The FIB Technician is responsible for supporting semiconductor failure analysis, process development, and characterization activities through the preparation of high-quality samples using Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. The individual will operate analytical and metrology equipment, maintain laboratory productivity, support engineering investigations, and ensure compliance with safety and operating procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Technical certification, or equivalent experience in Materials Science, Engineering Technology, Electronics, Physics, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience as a FIB Technician in a semiconductor production, manufacturing, or failure analysis laboratory environment.
• Experience preparing TEM lamella samples using FIB techniques.
• Working knowledge of SEM, FIB, and TEM fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret engineering instructions, layouts, and sample preparation requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work in a laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Sample Preparation and Analysis

• Prepare samples for experimentation, including cleaning, mounting and unmounting samples, loading FOUPs, and setting up jobs for analytical investigations.
• Prepare transmission electron microscopy (TEM) lamella samples using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques.
• Identify locations of interest based on engineering drawings, pattern instructions, and customer requirements.
• Assist in developing and optimizing sample preparation methods, procedures, and process conditions.
• Operate SEM, FIB, TEM, and laboratory metrology tools to support failure analysis and process characterization activities.
• Perform cross-sectional and plan-view imaging, critical dimension (CD) measurements, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.
• Acquire high-quality images and analytical data according to customer and engineering requirements.
• Understand sample and beam interactions to determine optimal imaging and milling conditions.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate and maintain SEM, FIB, TEM, and related metrology systems.
• Perform routine maintenance activities including plasma cleaning, flashing, image calibrations, and system checks.
• Execute equipment startup and shutdown procedures according to established protocols.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify issues requiring service intervention.
• Coordinate equipment repairs, maintenance activities, and vendor support when necessary.
• Monitor and track metrology equipment performance and production activities per equipment requirements.

Laboratory Operations

• Monitor job queues and support laboratory throughput objectives.
• Interface with customers, engineers, and requestors to understand requirements and communicate project status and results.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to prioritize and complete assigned work.
• Verify, upload, and maintain data records on network storage systems.
• Pick up and deliver customer samples and coupons from other laboratories as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency and productivity.

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Document rework activities and lessons learned to reduce repeat issues and improve quality.
• Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and laboratory documentation.
• Record process parameters, analytical data, and job results accurately.
• Participate in process improvement projects and implement best practices.

Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols, environmental health and safety requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Follow all equipment operating guidelines and process controls.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates proficiency in semiconductor sample preparation, microscopy, and analytical laboratory processes.
• Applies established analytical procedures and methodologies to complete assigned tasks independently.

Business Expertise

• Understands how laboratory operations contribute to engineering, development, and manufacturing objectives.
• Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to meet customer commitments and organizational goals.

Leadership

• May provide guidance and training to new technicians.
• Leads or supports laboratory improvement projects and equipment ownership activities.
• Demonstrates initiative in improving workflow efficiency and operational excellence.

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves routine and moderately complex technical issues using established procedures and experience.
• Develops practical solutions for atypical situations and contributes to process improvements.
• Creates and updates SOPs and best practices as needed.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates effectively with engineers, technicians, customers, vendors, and management.
• Regularly exchanges technical information and project updates in a professional manner.
• Works collaboratively in a fast-paced production laboratory environment.

Work Schedule

• Position may require support of a compressed workweek, shift schedule, weekends, or extended hours to meet production and customer requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor failure analysis laboratories.
• Experience with Thermo Fisher, FEI, Hitachi, or equivalent FIB/SEM/TEM systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor device structures, process integration, and advanced sample preparation techniques.
• Experience supporting high-volume production environments with turnaround time and quality metrics.

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.