Software Engineer QA (E3)

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

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Senior Quality Engineering expert in Santa Clara, California. This role involves driving scalable, AI-enabled validation strategies, ensuring high product quality across complex software systems, and providing technical leadership.

The ideal candidate will have 7–10 years of experience in software quality engineering, a deep understanding of automation frameworks, and a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. This is a full-time position that includes a competitive salary ranging from $124,000 to $171,000.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in software quality engineering or related domain.
• Deep knowledge in software testing and automation frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement advanced quality engineering strategies.
• Develop, execute, and optimize complex test plans.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and optimize coverage.

Skills

Software testing

Automation frameworks

Quality engineering practices

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant 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 (https://hrportal.ehr.com/applied/).

Role Summary

Senior quality engineering expert driving scalable, AI‑enabled validation strategies and ensuring high product quality across complex software systems. Acts as a trusted advisor on quality risks, customer impact, and automation‑led innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement advanced quality engineering strategies, emphasizing automation, AI/ML, and scalability.
• Develop, execute, and optimize complex test plans, frameworks, and standards with minimal supervision.
• Lead cross‑functional and cross‑BU initiatives (e.g., regression standardization, test data management, coverage optimization).
• Apply data analytics and predictive techniques to identify defects, prevent escapes, and assess customer risk.
• Debug and validate complex software systems, ensuring robust integration across computation, data processing, and control systems.
• Analyze test results, identify gaps, and drive corrective and preventive actions for quality improvement.
• Provide technical leadership in resolving critical issues, escalations, and systemic product challenges.
• Influence product quality direction and best practices, aligning with business objectives and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with development, architecture, and leadership teams as a trusted advisor on quality trade‑offs and AI adoption.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, standards, and reports to support traceability and continuous improvement.

Core Competencies

• Functional Expertise: Deep knowledge in software testing, automation frameworks, and quality engineering practices.
• Business Insight: Translates business challenges into scalable quality solutions and best practices.
• Problem Solving: Applies advanced analytical thinking to solve complex quality and system issues.
• Impact: Directly influences product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational outcomes.
• Communication: Effectively communicates complex concepts and influences cross‑functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in relevant field.
• Experience: 7–10 years in software quality engineering or related domain.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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 (https://www.appliedmaterials.com/us/en/careers.html) 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.