Process Engineer – Plasma Etch

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

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Process Engineer to design, optimize, and troubleshoot plasma etch processes for semiconductor applications. You will collect data, perform hardware characterization, and engage with customers to resolve concerns.

Collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams is essential to drive performance and implement new technologies. The role emphasizes hands-on experience with etch platforms and chambers, strong problem-solving, and effective communication in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 4-7 years of relevant industry experience with a Bachelor's degree, 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

Plasma etch process development

Chamber troubleshooting

DOE and statistics data analysis

Customer technical support

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Semiconductor fab experience

Education

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

Tools

Applied Materials etch systems

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 worlds 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.

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

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. We are seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and support advanced plasma etch processes for semiconductor applications. In this role, you will work closely with customers, R&D, manufacturing, and engineering teams to drive process performance, resolve complex technical challenges, and support next-generation technology development. Strong preference for candidates with semiconductor fab etch process engineering experience and hands-on expertise with Applied Materials etch platforms and chambers, including Producer®, DPS®, Centris®, Sym3®, Sym3 Y®, and Sym3 Z® chambers.

Key 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Semiconductor fab experience in plasma etch process development and optimization.
• Hands-on experience with Applied Materials etch systems.
• Experience with chamber troubleshooting, process qualification, and customer-facing technical support.
• Knowledge of DOE, statistical analysis tools (JMP or equivalent), TEM, SEM, and EDS characterization techniques.

Core Competencies

• Plasma Etch Process Development
• Chamber Troubleshooting & RCA
• DOE and Statistical Data Analysis
• Customer Technical Support
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Technical Communication
• Continuous Learning & Innovation

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.