New College Grad - Process Engineer - MS/PhD (Winter 2026)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Santa Clara, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Process Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and generate technical documentation while collaborating with customers to resolve issues.

The role offers exposure to state-of-the-art R&D teams and opportunities to work with vendors and suppliers, with potential for a bonus and stock awards per company programs.

Qualifications

• MS or Doctorate in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to start full-time between October 2026 and January 2027.
• Doctorate degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Collect data, analyze results, and generate technical documentation.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers on new technologies.
• Perform hardware characterization and troubleshoot engineering issues.

Education

MS or Doctorate degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

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: $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 a Process Engineer

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.

What You’ll Do

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a critical role in solving our customers’ biggest challenges by designing and optimizing semiconductor manufacturing processes. You will work on some of the most advanced and challenging technologies in the world, shaping the way process engineering evolves for our business and the semiconductor industry. Process Engineers at Applied enjoy a diverse and exciting work experience—no two days are the same and the challenges are complex and interesting. 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.

Role Responsibilities

• Collect data, analyze, and compile reports on basic process engineering experiments
• Perform hardware characterization on basic systems
• Troubleshoot problems, perform Root Cause Analysis, and resolve basic process engineering issues
• Measure film properties and organize data/reports for review
• Generate internal documentation for products, presentations, and technical reports
• Communicate and engage with customers to resolve basic process engineering issues or concerns, under direct supervision
• Work with vendor and suppliers, under direct supervision
• Become familiar with the process of implementing new technology, products, and analytical instrumentation

Minimum Qualifications

• MS or Doctorate degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Must be able to start the position full time from October 2026 - January 2027

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor fab or equipment industry
• Doctorate degree is preferred
• Experience in one or more semiconductor processes (CVD, ALD, PVD, etch, epi), material characterization (e.g. FTIR, XPS, XRD etc)

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time Employee Type: New College Grad 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Accessibility Contact

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.