Manufacturing Test Quality Engineer IV

Applied Materials; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 116,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Manufacturing Test Quality Engineer to bridge high-complexity test engineering with quality assurance in semiconductor capital equipment. Design, validate, and optimize production-line testing for lithography, CVD, and etch systems; support cleanroom-adjacent manufacturing and ISO cleanroom protocols.

You will lead test development, automate tool-level diagnostics with Mayan and Python, and drive root-cause analysis and yield improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or related engineering discipline.
• 7-10+ years of engineering experience in semiconductor manufacturing, complex equipment, or high-tech hardware.
• Experience diagnosing/validating RF generators, UHV environments, gas manifolds, or precision optical/laser alignment mechanisms.
• Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, Six Sigma, SEMI standards and ISO 9001.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and test development software (Mayan, Python, Minitab, JMP).

Responsibilities

• Define, validate, and document new test plans and fixture interfaces during NPI.
• Develop, pilot, and troubleshoot automated test scripts and software for tool-level diagnostics.
• Lead failure investigations (8D, CAPA, 5 Whys) for complex hardware issues.
• Monitor FPY data and implement preventative actions.
• Perform MSA and Gage R&R studies to verify test station reliability.
• Ensure compliance with ISO Class 4 / 100 cleanroom protocols.
• Collaborate with NPI teams to integrate testability into new equipment designs.

Skills

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional communication

Facility with cleanroom environments

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Mayan

Python

Minitab

JMP

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: $116,000.00 - $159,500.00

Location: Austin,TX

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.

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.

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Test Quality Engineer bridges high-complexity test engineering with advanced quality assurance methodologies within the semiconductor capital equipment sector. This role is responsible for designing, validating, and optimizing production-line testing processes for complex systems (e.g., lithography, CVD, etch systems). The scope spans precision electromechanical subassemblies, high-power RF circuits, advanced vacuum systems, and ultra-precise optical paths, ensuring strict adherence to cleanroom, SEMI, and hardware reliability standards before client shipment.

Department: Operations / Quality Engineering

Reports To: Manufacturing Quality Manager

Location: Manufacturing Plant (Cleanroom-Adjacent)

Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Core Responsibilities

• Test Process & Hardware Development: Define, validate, and document new manufacturing test plans, modify fixture design and diagnostic hardware interfaces during the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase.
• Automated Testing Systems: Develop, pilot, and troubleshoot automated test scripts and software packages utilizing Mayan & Python to conduct automated tool-level diagnostics.
• Defect Isolation & Root-Cause Analysis: Lead structured failure investigations (e.g., 8D, CAPA, 5 Whys) for structural dropouts and complex hardware failures encountered on the assembly line floor.
• Yield & Metric Optimization: Continuously monitor and analyze First-Pass Yield (FPY) data, identifying trends, structural anomalies, and implementing preventative corrective actions.
• Metrology & Gage R&R: Perform Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) studies to confirm test station reliability and eliminate measurement drift.
• Cleanroom & Environmental Compliance: Ensure testing protocols fully adhere to strict cleanroom contamination regulations (ISO Class 4 / Class 100 protocols) protecting delicate vacuum and optical subsystems.
• Design for Testability (DFT): Partner directly with NPI Process and Hardware Design groups to integrate critical test access paths, diagnostic loops, and physical test nodes into next-generation equipment designs.

Technical Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or a strongly related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 7-10+ years of engineering experience working within semiconductor manufacturing, complex medical equipment manufacturing, or high-tech aerospace/capital hardware.
• Subsystem Domain Knowledge: Hands-on experience diagnosing or validating high-power Radio Frequency (RF) generators, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, gas delivery manifolds, or precision optical/laser alignment mechanisms.
• Quality Frameworks & Tools: Deep working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Industry Standards Alignment: Strong familiarity with SEMI Standards (specifically SEMI S2 safety guidelines, SEMI S8 ergonomics) and comprehensive ISO 9001 compliance standards.
• Software Tools: Proficiency in data analysis suites (Minitab, JMP) alongside technical test development tools (Mayan, Python).

Competencies & Work Environment

• Analytical Problem Solving: Exceptional cross-disciplinary troubleshooting skills capable of bridging mechanical, electrical, software, and physical process gaps simultaneously.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Proven ability to clearly translate dense data anomalies into actionable feedback for engineers, operations staff, and external suppliers.
• Physical & Environment Demands: Ability to spend designated portions of the shift within fully suited cleanroom apparel, working alongside heavy machinery assembly spaces.

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.