Process Engineer FIB/TEM Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Bonus potential

Stock option eligibility

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a Process Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies.

You will collect data, perform hardware characterization, troubleshoot issues, measure film properties, and generate technical documentation in collaboration with global R&D teams. You will lead quality initiatives within FIB/TEM frameworks, drive process improvements, coordinate cross-functional teams, and partner with hardware and

Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, characterization, process engineering, quality engineering, failure analysis, or lab operations.
• Hands-on experience operating FIB and/or TEM/STEM in a lab or semiconductor environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement initiatives within the FIB/TEM quality framework to improve consistency, repeatability, and operational performance.
• Develop quality standards, acceptance criteria, metrics, and best practices for FIB/TEM operations.
• Analyze quality and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Partner with hardware and equipment teams and with equipment suppliers to improve tool capability, availability, calibration, and consistency.
• Lead or support projects focused on productivity, workflow optimization, automation, tool expansion, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and drive initiatives that improve throughput, cycle time, capacity, and overall lab efficiency.
• Translate business unit requirements into practical quality standards and operational improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align stakeholders and successfully execute improvement initiatives.

Skills

FIB/TEM expertise

Data analysis

Quality engineering

Root-cause analysis

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

BS or higher in Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

FIB

TEM/STEM

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 will 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 are 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 Process Engineer, you will 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 will 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement initiatives within the FIB/TEM quality framework to improve consistency, repeatability, and operational performance.
• Develop quality standards, acceptance criteria, metrics, and best practices for FIB/TEM operations.
• Analyze quality and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Partner with hardware and equipment teams and with equipment suppliers to improve tool capability, availability, calibration, and consistency.
• Lead or support projects focused on productivity, workflow optimization, automation, tool expansion, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and drive initiatives that improve throughput, cycle time, capacity, and overall lab efficiency.
• Translate business unit requirements into practical quality standards and operational improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align stakeholders and successfully execute improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications BS or higher degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, characterization, process engineering, quality engineering, failure analysis, or lab operations.
• Hands-on experience operating FIB and/or TEM/STEM in a laboratory or semiconductor environment.
• Experience driving quality improvements through metrics, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, or process standardization.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and work effectively across multiple teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both FIB sample preparation and TEM/STEM imaging.
• Experience supporting FIB/TEM lab operations or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading quality, operational, or process-improvement projects.
• Familiarity with SPC, MSA, DOE, Six Sigma, or similar quality methodologies.
• Experience with data analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Technically credible in FIB and/or TEM, with the ability to engage effectively with experienced engineers and technicians.
• Collaborative and influential, with the ability to build agreement and move work forward across teams.
• Organized and execution-focused, with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Comfortable facilitating discussions, resolving ambiguity, and coordinating stakeholders with different priorities.
• Practical, data-driven problem solver with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to balance operational needs and longer-term improvement projects.

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.

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