Patterning Process Engineer

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara is seeking a Process Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies. You will collect data, characterize hardware, troubleshoot issues, measure film properties, and create technical documentation while collaborating with vendors and customers on new technologies.

You will contribute to state-of-the-art patterning programs, work with R&D teams, and help deliver reliable processes with minimal supervision, joining

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 4 to 7 years of semiconductor experience in advanced lithography, patterning, or semiconductor process development.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems through a combination of strong analytical skills, engineering judgment, and hands-on experimentation.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new or modified patterning test vehicle flows to support advanced patterning technology development. Compile, analyze, and evaluate experimental data to establish process windows, specifications, and material requirements.
• Provide technical leadership in the development and continuous improvement of advanced patterning short-loop processes. Drive improvements in key process metrics, including CD, CDU, LER, LWR, DOF, exposure latitude, SPC, yield, and defectivity.
• Partner with process and integration engineering teams to develop integrated process flows, implement innovative methodologies, troubleshoot process challenges, perform root cause analysis, and resolve complex engineering issues.
• Collaborate with external partners on joint development programs by designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports to advance process technology and performance.
• Engage directly with internal and external customers to address complex process engineering challenges, communicate technical findings, and drive effective resolution of issues with minimal supervision.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Patterning 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.

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, 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‑arc research and development projects.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new or modified patterning test vehicle flows to support advanced patterning technology development. Compile, analyze, and evaluate experimental data to establish process windows, specifications, and material requirements.
• Provide technical leadership in the development and continuous improvement of advanced patterning short-loop processes. Drive improvements in key process metrics, including critical dimension (CD), CD uniformity (CDU), line edge roughness (LER), line width roughness (LWR), depth of focus (DOF), exposure latitude, statistical process control (SPC), yield, and defectivity.
• Partner with process and integration engineering teams to develop integrated process flows, implement innovative methodologies, troubleshoot process challenges, perform root cause analysis, and resolve complex engineering issues.
• Collaborate with external partners on joint development programs by designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports to advance process technology and performance.
• Engage directly with internal and external customers to address complex process engineering challenges, communicate technical findings, and drive effective resolution of issues with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 4 to 7 years of semiconductor experience in advanced lithography, patterning, or semiconductor process development.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems through a combination of strong analytical skills, engineering judgment, and hands‑on experimentation.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional teams.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Not Specified

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.

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.