Process Support Engineer III

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

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Process Support Engineer (PSE) to guide products from concept to qualification. You will provide on-site support, diagnose systems, and service complex equipment used to manufacture advanced semiconductor chips.

You will collaborate with customers and R&D teams to develop processes, run DOE experiments, analyze data, and report high-level conclusions. Excellent communication and problem-solving are essential; travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/physics, materials engineering, electrical engineering, optoelectronics or related field
• 4–7 years of experience on PVD/CVD/ALD in the semiconductor fab or equipment industry
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to explain sensitive information and work to build consensus among project stakeholders
• Communication proficiency in English language

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑visibility customer support through on‑site installations, system diagnoses, and the service and repair of complex systems and equipment
• Work closely with the customer to develop leading‑edge processes used to manufacture the most advanced semiconductor chips, many of which are inside everyday electronic devices
• Create hypothesis experiments and design of experiments (DOE); analyze data with statistics; and compile reports with high‑level conclusions on technically challenging process engineering experiments
• Troubleshoot complex problems; perform multiple root cause analysis; and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering and customer product issues
• Communicate with both internal stakeholders and the customer to achieve goals with a focus on building relationships and establishing trust
• Apply your growing knowledge of best practices to offer a new perspective using existing solutions
• Serve as a resource for junior colleagues and a liaison between the customer and business unit; you may also lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Skills

Interpersonal communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/physics, materials engineering, electrical engineering, optoelectronics or related field

Master’s degree or PhD in a related field

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: $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. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 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.

Role Description

As a Process Support Engineer (PSE), you’ll play a critical role in guiding products through their entire lifecycle, from initial concept to final qualification. You will provide high‑visibility customer support through on‑site installations, system diagnoses, and the service and repair of complex systems and equipment. PSEs work closely with customers and R&D teams to develop leading‑edge processes used to manufacture advanced semiconductor chips, and create hypothesis experiments and design of experiments (DOEs). You’ll analyze data with statistics and compile reports with high‑level conclusions on technically challenging process engineering experiments. Additionally, you will troubleshoot complex problems, perform root cause analyses, and resolve difficult process engineering and customer product issues. Process Support Engineers work across technologies such as: Chemical Vapor Deposition, Atomic Layer Deposition, Plasma Reactive Ion Etch, Physical Vapor Deposition, Anneal and Implant.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide high‑visibility customer support through on‑site installations, system diagnoses, and the service and repair of complex systems and equipment
• Work closely with the customer to develop leading‑edge processes used to manufacture the most advanced semiconductor chips, many of which are inside everyday electronic devices
• Create hypothesis experiments and design of experiments (DOE); analyze data with statistics; and compile reports with high‑level conclusions on technically challenging process engineering experiments
• Troubleshoot complex problems; perform multiple root cause analysis; and resolve a variety of difficult process engineering and customer product issues
• Communicate with both internal stakeholders and the customer to achieve goals with a focus on building relationships and establishing trust
• Apply your growing knowledge of best practices to offer a new perspective using existing solutions
• Serve as a resource for junior colleagues and a liaison between the customer and business unit; you may also lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/physics, materials engineering, electrical engineering, optoelectronics or related field
• 4–7 years of experience on PVD/CVD/ALD in the semiconductor fab or equipment industry
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to explain sensitive information and work to build consensus among project stakeholders
• Communication proficiency in English language

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 20% 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.