Senior Field Applications Engineer

PDF Solutions, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

PDF Solutions, Inc. is looking for an Applications Engineer in Santa Clara to support their advanced e-beam inspection platform. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree and strong analytical skills, with programming experience in Python being preferred.

This position involves developing inspection recipes, driving wafer inspection strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates with PhDs or equivalent industry experience will be given preference.

The role offers a competitive salary range of $130,000 - $170,000 annually.

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).

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.
• Lead experimental studies and contribute to R&D initiatives to improve inspection methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and drive product enhancements.
• Take ownership of complex engineering programs and contribute to process improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Programming experience (Python preferred)

Education

Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python (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 Qualifications

• 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 $170,000.00 /Yr.