Process Technician IV

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 94,558,464 - 130,949,145; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Process Technician to prepare wafers for experimentation, operate reactors for thin film processes, and use SEM for analyses and imaging. You will record conditions, perform routine maintenance, and help optimize processes to improve productivity and quality.

The role requires a Technical Diploma and 4–7 years of related experience, with the potential for bonus programs and a path to growth within a global leader in materials engineering.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma required.
• 4–7 years of experience in process technician or related role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wafers for experimentation, including cleaning and preparation of reactors.
• Operate reactors to perform thin film processes and evaluate performance of process systems; troubleshoot as needed.
• Prepare cross‑section samples for SEM analysis; optimize prep procedures and identify cut locations based on instructions.
• Record process conditions and observations; evaluate wafers and thin films; create graphs and tables summarizing results.
• Operate SEM for cross‑section and top‑view imaging and EDS analysis; understand imaging requirements.

Education

Technical Diploma

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.

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: $33.00 - $45.70

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.

As a Process Technician, you’ll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and imaging. You’ll record process conditions and experimental observations, perform routine maintenance procedures, and evaluate wafers and thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross‑section samples for analysis, identifying patterns of interest in imaging, and operating laboratory process equipment and instrumentation. Your expertise in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and process optimization drives higher levels of productivity, quality, and efficiency in our manufacturing processes.

Role Responsibilities

• Prepare wafers for experimentation to include cleaning and preparation of reactors
• Operate reactors to perform thin film processes and evaluates performance of process systems; recommends troubleshooting procedures
• Prepare cross‑section samples for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis; optimize sample prep procedure and conditions and identify cut location based on pattern instructions
• Record process conditions and experimental observations; evaluate wafers and thin films to include modifications of process recipes. Prepare graphs and tables summarizing results
• Operate scanning electron microscope for cross‑section and top‑view, critical dimension (CD), or energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and imaging
• Identify all patterns of interest in imaging and understand image quality requirements and sample/beam interaction to determine optimized condition
• Understand basic scanning electron microscope (SEM) principles
• Responsible for all technology products
• Perform scanning electron microscope (SEM) system software alignment functions and routine maintenance procedures including flash and plasma clean
• Interface with requestors, understand detail requirements, and communicate on results; monitor Wafer In Process and maintain throughput
• Check performance of process system; order equipment and supplies, and coordinate with vendors and purchasing. Coordinate wafer evaluations and instrument repair and maintenance
• Perform routine shut down procedure and set up equipment for experiments
• Use quantitative wafer evaluation and process instrumentation knowledge to draw conclusions from data. Assists in training junior technicians.
• Develop and publish best known method (BKM) procedures including sample prep, scanning electron microscope (SEM) conditions, and special sample handling

Minimum Qualifications

• Technical Diploma
• 4-7 years of experience

Physical Requirements

This position often requires extensive walking, standing for extended periods of time, working in tight spaces, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, working at height, lifting up to 35 lbs., the ability to distinguish between colors and working with electricity, the ability to work in an environment with noise that may be difficult for some individuals with sensitivity to noise, and the use of hand and power tools. Additionally, because this position generally involves working in a clean room, it requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, chemical aprons, and face shields.

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.