Process Engineer III, Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) Metrology

Socket.dev; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Process Engineer to design and optimize manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor technologies. You will collect data, perform hardware characterization, troubleshoot, and measure film properties while engaging with customers and vendors.

You will collaborate with R&D teams on state-of-the-art projects, develop documentation, and contribute to continuous improvement of lab performance and product yield.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with ion beam interaction with materials and defects.
• Experience operating advanced metrology/instrumentation in semiconductor contexts.

Responsibilities

• Characterize dopant profiles and diffusion depths across implant recipes; collect and analyze data.
• Manage SIMS lab activities and meet internal/external requirements.
• Develop SOPs for tool operation and performance tracking.
• Develop advanced SIMS characterization techniques for new device architectures.
• Build SPC and tool-health monitoring; lead continuous-improvement projects.
• Provide technical support and deliver presentations; publish findings at conferences.

Skills

Ion beam interaction

Data analysis

Lab teamwork

Communications

Education

MS or PhD in Materials/Physics/Chemical Engineering

Tools

SIMS instrumentation

Mass Spectrometry

Atom Probe Tomography

Vacuum equipment

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary: $108,000.00 - $148,500.00

Location: Gloucester, MA

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.

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterize dopant profiles to demonstrate implanter performance and diffusion depths across a variety of implant recipes - performing hands-on data collection, data analysis and optimization that directly drives new process development.
• Prioritize and manage SIMS lab activities, balancing lab output and cycle time to consistently meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures for tool operation, qualification, and performance tracking to accelerate business velocity.
• Drive the development and application of advanced SIMS characterization techniques to support emerging device architectures and technology inflections. Collaborate closely with engineering teams on experimental design (DOE), root-cause analysis, and process problem-solving.
• Build statistical process control (SPC) and tool-health monitoring (uptime >90%) on a daily and weekly basis, and lead continuous-improvement projects that enhance SIMS Lab performance and product yield.
• Providing consultation, training, and analytical support to internal and external customers. Prepare and deliver technical presentations, publish findings in industry conferences and scientific forums, and represent the organization within the broader materials characterization community.
• Maintain a strong on-site laboratory presence to support daily operations, equipment troubleshooting, process development activities, customer engagements, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualification

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Direct knowledge and proven interest (research, papers) in ion beam interaction with materials and defects.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining advanced metrology or analytical instrumentation required. Experience in Semiconductor Industry with SIMS, Vacuum Electronics, Atom Probe Tomography, or Mass Spectrometry is a strong plus.

Functional Knowledge

• Understanding of semiconductor fundamentals, including process modules and characterization, device physics, and fabrication. Fab experience or a failure-analysis background - especially in ion doping and its related metrology is a strong plus.

Leadership

• No direct supervisory responsibilities, but serves as a go-to resource - offering informal guidance and mentorship to new team members and technicians.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates complex information clearly and effectively in straightforward situations.
• Strong communicator and dependable team player, building positive working relationships across the organization.
• Maintains composure under pressure, managing tough or high-stakes conversations with tact, diplomacy, and a solutions-focused mindset.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

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.

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.