Software QA Engineer III (E3)

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

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. seeks a Software QA Engineer to design, test, and maintain software for semiconductor equipment. You will develop test plans, automation, and quality metrics while collaborating with engineering and product stakeholders to ensure robust, scalable software.

Based in Santa Clara, CA, this full-time role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow your expertise in hardware-software integration within a leading global tech company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 4-7 years of related experience
• Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, Java, or C/C++.
• Understanding of software development fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
• Experience with operating systems, multithreading, and software debugging techniques.
• Basic knowledge of software testing concepts, automation frameworks, or quality assurance methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and executing test plans for software applications and system components.
• Develop and maintain test automation, validation tools, and software documentation.
• Analyze software defects, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to bug fixes and quality improvements.
• Support the development of simulators, test benches, and laboratory test environments.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, product stakeholders, and customers to understand requirements and support project execution.
• Contribute to software build, release, and DevOps processes to improve development efficiency and product quality.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Python

Java

C/C++

Data structures

Algorithms

Debugging

Communication

Multithreading

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science/engineering

Tools

Git

CI/CD

DevOps

Test automation tools

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: $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.

Software QA Engineer

Role Responsibilities

Develop, test, and maintain software solutions used in semiconductor equipment and related systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, developing, and executing test plans for software applications and system components.
• Develop and maintain test automation, validation tools, and software documentation.
• Analyze software defects, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to bug fixes and quality improvements.
• Support the development of simulators, test benches, and laboratory test environments.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, product stakeholders, and customers to understand requirements and support project execution.
• Contribute to software build, release, and DevOps processes to improve development efficiency and product quality.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 4-7 years of related experience
• Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, Java, or C/C++.
• Understanding of software development fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
• Experience with operating systems, multithreading, and software debugging techniques.
• Basic knowledge of software testing concepts, automation frameworks, or quality assurance methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, academic project, or research experience involving software development, testing, or automation.
• Experience with source control systems (Git), CI/CD tools, or DevOps practices.
• Exposure to embedded systems, distributed systems, or hardware-software integration.
• Experience developing test automation or validation tools.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Not Specified

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 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.