Principal Process Engineer ​/ Customer Technologist

Headsmart

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. 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.

Salary: $ - $

Location:

Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Santa Clara, CA

This is an opportunity to combine deep semiconductor process expertise with customer engagement, technology leadership, and strategic influence. You'll work directly with industry-leading customers, shape future product direction, and play a critical role in bringing next-generation semiconductor technologies to market.

As a key technical leader, you'll partner with some of the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturers to solve complex process challenges, drive technology adoption, and influence next-generation product development.

In this highly visible customer-facing role, you will:

• Lead the resolution of complex semiconductor process and technology issues using advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and DOE methodologies.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to strategic customers, driving process optimization, customer satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, product, and business teams to develop and deliver innovative process solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Design, execute, and evaluate customer demonstrations, technology evaluations, beta programs, and joint development activities.
• Support new technology introductions and technology transfers while customizing process solutions for customer applications.
• Act as the voice of the customer by influencing product strategy, identifying technology gaps, and providing feedback on process and hardware improvements.
• Present technical roadmaps, solutions, and business recommendations to customer executives and senior leadership.
• Build strategic relationships with leading semiconductor manufacturers to evaluate emerging technologies and accelerate adoption of next-generation solutions.
• Drive knowledge sharing and best practices across global teams to strengthen product performance and customer success.
• Stay at the forefront of semiconductor technology trends through industry engagement, technical publications, and collaboration with internal and external experts.

Education:

• BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Semiconductor Engineering OR equivalent experience
• MS or PhD preferred

Experience:

• 8-15+ years in semiconductor process engineering or technology development
• Customer-facing support for wafer fabrication accounts
• Technology transfer, process integration, yield improvement, and NPI experience
• Experience with Logic, DRAM, NAND, or Advanced Packaging

Technical

Skills:

• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• JMP, Minitab, SPC and statistical analysis
• Root Cause Analysis, 8D, FMEA, Fishbone
• Semiconductor process development and optimization
• Hardware/process interaction troubleshooting

Customer & Leadership

Competencies:

• Executive presentations
• Technical account leadership
• Joint development programs and beta evaluations
• Cross-functional leadership
• Strategic roadmap discussions

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

The Head of Head Smart is responsible for the global leadership, operational performance, and strategic support of the SBU direction for the Head Smart business. This role provides end-to-end accountability for capacity planning, operational excellence, customer readiness, technology transfer, quality performance, workforce development, and expansion of Head Smart capabilities worldwide.

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular

Travel:
Yes, 25% 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.

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.