Process Engineer | - Plasma

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

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a senior plasma process engineer to lead and execute complex process development initiatives across R&D and high-volume manufacturing.

You will design experiments, analyze data, optimize plasma processes, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions for next‑generation semiconductor technologies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of semiconductor plasma process engineering experience.
• Experience with plasma physics, RF power systems, and thin-film deposition or etch.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; PhD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, collect data, analyze, and compile reports on difficult process engineering experiments.
• Perform hardware characterization on a variety of difficult systems.
• Troubleshoot complex problems, perform Root Cause Analysis, and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering issues.
• Measure film properties and interpret data.
• Generate internal documentation for products, presentations, and technical reports.
• Communicate and engage with customers to resolve complex process engineering issues or concerns, under limited supervision.
• Identify, select, and partner with vendors and suppliers.
• Implement new technology, products, and analytical instrumentation.
• Serve as a resource for junior colleagues; lead project teams, as needed.

Skills

Plasma process engineering

RF power systems

Chamber matching

Process optimization

Thin-film deposition

Etch applications

R&D experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

PhD preferred

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’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.

Role Responsibilities

• Design, collect data, analyze, and compile reports on difficult process engineering experiments
• Perform hardware characterization on a variety of difficult systems
• Troubleshoot complex problems, perform Root Cause Analysis, and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering issues
• Measure film properties and interpret data
• Generate internal documentation for products, presentations, and technical reports
• Communicate and engage with customers to resolve complex process engineering issues or concerns, under limited supervision
• Identify, select, and partner with vendors and suppliers
• Implement new technology, products, and analytical instrumentation
• Serve as a resource for junior colleagues; lead project teams, as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of semiconductor plasma process engineering experience with expertise in plasma physics, RF power systems, chamber matching, process optimization, and thin-film deposition or etch applications in an R&D or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to develop new plasma processes, analyze complex data sets, and drive technology roadmaps from concept through qualification.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (required), PhD (Preferred)
• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in complex problem solving

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
• Relocation Eligible: Yes

Compensation

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.