Plasma Etch Process Engineer - Semiconductor Innovation

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

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Process Engineer in Santa Clara to design, optimize, and support advanced plasma etch processes for semiconductor manufacturing. You will collect data, perform hardware characterization, and help troubleshoot engineering challenges while engaging with customers and vendors.

The role emphasizes collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to drive process performance and technology development in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• 4–7 years of experience with a Bachelor's, or 2–5 years with a Master's degree.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize plasma etch processes for advanced semiconductor applications.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and drive process improvements using data-driven methodologies.
• Investigate and resolve process and chamber-related issues through structured root cause analysis.
• Support customer escalations and provide technical solutions to manufacturing and process challenges.
• Characterize process-chamber interactions and evaluate hardware performance.
• Prepare technical reports and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new technologies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Materials Science/Physics

Tools

Applied Materials etch systems

DOE knowledge

Job description

Applied Materials is seeking a Process Engineer in Santa Clara to design, optimize, and support advanced plasma etch processes for semiconductor manufacturing. You will collect data, perform hardware characterization, and help troubleshoot engineering challenges while engaging with customers and vendors.

The role emphasizes collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to drive process performance and technology development in a fast-paced environment.