Quality Engineer, FIB/TEM Operations

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials’ SPG metrology group seeks a Quality Engineer, FIB/TEM Operations to support quality improvement and operational excellence across metrology labs in Santa Clara, CA. You will collaborate with engineers, technicians, and BU customers to optimize workflows, analyze data, and drive actionable improvements in lab performance.

The role emphasizes process improvements, system implementations, and strategic projects that scale with growing demand.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry.
• 3+ years in semiconductor metrology, characterization, failure analysis, process or quality engineering.
• Experience with FIB, TEM, SEM or related metrology techniques.
• Strong data-driven problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience with Python or BI tools for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Drive quality, process, and operational improvement initiatives across FIB/TEM and related metrology operations.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, managers, and BU customers to understand requirements and improve lab performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, operations, BUs and support teams.
• Analyze data to identify trends and recurring issues; drive closure actions.
• Develop quality frameworks, metrics, and standardized workflows.
• Lead or support lab operations projects, automation, and digital transformation.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment to move projects forward and achieve outcomes.
• Support strategic initiatives to scale lab operations with business demand.

Skills

Quality engineering

Semiconductor metrology

Data analysis

Python

Power BI

Tableau

Smartsheet

Cross-functional collaboration

Lab operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Tools

Python

Power BI

Smartsheet

Tableau

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:

$96,500.00 - $132,500.00

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.

About The Role

Applied Materials’ SPG metrology group supports a wide range of business units (BUs) by delivering sample preparation, imaging, and measurement data. As the scope and volume of work continue to grow, maintaining consistent, high-quality output becomes increasingly important.

We are seeking a Quality Engineer, FIB/TEM Operations to support quality improvement, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives across our metrology organization.

In this role, you will work closely with engineers, technicians, managers, and business unit customers to improve workflows, reduce recurring issues, enhance lab operations, and support key projects across the organization.

While quality improvement is an important part of the role, this position also supports process improvement, operational excellence, system implementation, and strategic projects across the metrology organization.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to a broad range of projects supporting the growth and transformation of the metrology organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive quality, process, and operational improvement initiatives across FIB/TEM and related metrology operations.
• Partner with engineers, technicians, managers, and BU customers to understand requirements, resolve challenges, and improve overall lab performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, operations, BUs, and support organizations to drive alignment and execute improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement, and drive actions to closure.
• Support the development of quality frameworks, performance metrics, best practices, and standardized workflows across the organization.
• Lead or support projects related to lab operations, workflow improvements, automation, digital transformation, and infrastructure expansion.
• Facilitate communication and alignment among stakeholders to ensure projects and initiatives move forward effectively and achieve intended outcomes.
• Support strategic initiatives and help scale lab operations as business demand continues to grow.

Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, characterization, failure analysis, process engineering, quality engineering, or lab operations.
• Working knowledge of FIB, TEM, SEM, or related characterization and metrology techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives in a cross-functional environment.
• Experience supporting FIB and/or TEM lab operations in a laboratory or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading technical, operational, or process improvement projects.
• Familiarity with quality methods (e.g., SPC, measurement system analysis, DOE, or Six Sigma).
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools such as Python, Power BI, Smartsheet, Tableau, or similar tools.
• What we’re looking for
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across teams and organizations.
• Ability to independently drive projects, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver results.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to quickly understand engineering and operational challenges.
• Experience supporting automation or digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience working directly with customers, stakeholders, or cross-functional teams to drive alignment and project execution.
• Strong organizational and execution skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Practical, data-driven problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Comfortable balancing day-to-day operational support with longer-term improvement initiatives.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to influence and drive alignment without direct authority.

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.