Operations and Customer Quality Engineer II - (E2)

Applied Materials; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 79,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Factory First Response Engineer in Austin, TX to identify, assess, and resolve quality issues impacting manufacturing operations and product quality. You will use engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills to drive containment and corrective actions in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 3+ years in manufacturing quality or related fields, experience with root-cause investigations, and strong data interpretation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years in manufacturing quality, supplier quality, reliability, product engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience leading root-cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, A3, or similar approaches.
• Ability to analyze technical data and make decisions based on multiple sources of information.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, test results, and technical documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate product, process, material, and manufacturing-related quality issues to identify root cause and determine effective corrective actions.
• Assess quality risks and evaluate potential impacts to manufacturing operations, product performance, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Analyze quality, operational, manufacturing, and supplier performance data to identify trends, recurring issues, and emerging risks.
• Develop and implement containment, corrective action, and preventive action strategies that protect manufacturing operations and improve product quality.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities to resolve complex quality and manufacturing challenges.
• Communicate technical findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Root cause analysis

Data-driven decisions

Communication skills

Quality systems knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

8D methodology

DMAIC

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: $78,500.00 - $108,000.00

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. 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.

About The Role

As a Factory First Response Engineer, you will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and resolving quality issues that impact manufacturing operations, product quality, and business performance.

This role applies engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills to investigate complex issues, evaluate risk, determine appropriate containment actions, and drive sustainable corrective actions. The position requires the ability to evaluate problems from both a technical and operational perspective while making data-driven decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Successful candidates are naturally curious, technically strong, and capable of connecting individual quality events to broader process, product, or operational risks. They are comfortable working through ambiguity, leading investigations, and driving improvements that prevent issues from recurring.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate product, process, material, and manufacturing-related quality issues to identify root cause and determine effective corrective actions.
• Assess quality risks and evaluate potential impacts to manufacturing operations, product performance, customer requirements, and business objectives.
• Analyze quality, operational, manufacturing, and supplier performance data to identify trends, recurring issues, and emerging risks.
• Develop and implement containment, corrective action, and preventive action strategies that protect manufacturing operations and improve product quality.
• Utilize engineering drawings, specifications, reliability data, test results, and operational information to support technical investigations and decision making.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities to resolve complex quality and manufacturing challenges.
• Evaluate nonconforming products, materials, and processes to determine appropriate disposition and risk mitigation actions.
• Develop methods, processes, metrics, and reporting tools that improve visibility to quality performance and operational risk.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving reliability, increasing manufacturing effectiveness, and preventing recurrence.
• Support internal and external audits, qualification activities, and quality system compliance requirements.
• Clearly communicate technical findings, risk assessments, recommendations, and investigation outcomes to stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, supplier quality, reliability, product engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience leading or supporting root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Working knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, A3, or similar approaches.
• Experience evaluating product, process, material, or manufacturing-related quality issues.
• Knowledge of quality systems, quality control principles, risk assessment methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze technical data and make decisions based on multiple sources of information.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, test results, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is an engineer who enjoys solving difficult problems, understanding how systems interact, and turning data into actionable decisions. They can evaluate issues from both a technical and operational perspective, identify risks before they become larger disruptions, and drive improvements that strengthen manufacturing performance, product quality, and overall business results.

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.