Senior Field Applications Engineer

PDF Solutions, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PDF Solutions, Inc. in Milpitas, CA, is seeking an Applications Engineer to join our HQ-based engineering team supporting our e-beam inspection platform.

The role focuses on enabling yield enhancement for leading-edge 300mm semiconductor manufacturing and offers opportunities to grow technically alongside senior teams. The ideal candidate is self-driven with strong analytical and communication skills, comfortable in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, and capable of contributing to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data analysis.
• Programming experience (Python preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and standardize inspection recipes for PDF’s e-beam inspection systems.
• Drive wafer inspection strategies and perform advanced data analysis to identify and reduce yield loss in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.
• Lead experimental studies and contribute to R&D initiatives to improve inspection methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Systems, Applications, Software) to resolve technical challenges and drive product enhancements.
• Take ownership of complex engineering programs, contributing to process improvements, automation, and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree in Physics/Materials Science/CS

Tools

NumPy/Pandas

JMP

MATLAB

Tableau

Job description

Overview

PDF Solutions Inc. is seeking a highly driven Applications Engineer to join our HQ-based engineering team supporting PDF’s advanced e-beam inspection platform. This role plays a critical part in enabling yield enhancement for leading-edge 300mm semiconductor manufacturing.

The ideal candidate is a self-driven and detail-oriented engineer with strong analytical and communication skills, comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. This role provides opportunities to grow technically, contribute to product development, and take on leadership responsibilities.

We welcome experienced professionals as well as recent PhD graduates.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and standardize inspection recipes for PDF’s e-beam inspection systems.
• Drive wafer inspection strategies and perform advanced data analysis to identify and reduce yield loss in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

• Lead experimental studies and contribute to R&D initiatives to improve inspection methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Systems, Applications, Software) to resolve technical challenges and drive product enhancements.
• Take ownership of complex engineering programs, contributing to process improvements, automation, and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science or a related field
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data analysis
• Programming experience (Python preferred)

Preferred

• PhD in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience
• Proficiency in statistical and data analysis tools such as Python (NumPy/Pandas), JMP, MATLAB, or Tableau.
• Experience with semiconductor inspection tools (e-beam, optical, voltage-contrast, or spectroscopy).
• Experience leading projects with an interest in developing toward a technical leadership or management role.

Pay Range

USD $130,000.00 - USD $180,000.00 /Yr.