Orbital Welder III

Orbital Welder

Applied Materials is seeking a skilled Orbital Welder to join our precision fabrication team. In this role, you will use orbital welding equipment, tools, and practices to build, repair, and test mechanical, vacuum, and pneumatic assemblies, subassemblies, and components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This position requires close attention to weld quality, cleanliness, and repeatability in a high-precision, cleanroom-adjacent manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate orbital (autogenous and wire-fed) welding equipment to join stainless steel and specialty alloy tubing, fittings, and vacuum components to exacting quality standards.
• Read and interpret work orders, operation method sheets, blueprints, weld procedure specifications (WPS), and P& to determine weld sequence, joint preparation, and acceptance criteria.
• Perform mechanical assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of vacuum, gas delivery, and pneumatic subassemblies.
• Inspect completed welds visually and with precision measuring and leak-detection instruments; identify, document, and correct defects or nonconformances.
• Purge, weld, and verify high-purity gas and chemical delivery lines to semiconductor industry cleanliness standards.
• Utilize test fixtures, electronic measurement equipment, leak detectors, and/or vacuum pumps to test finished assemblies and components.
• Maintain accurate travelers and records of work performed, including progress, labor, and material usage in the production tracking system.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot orbital welding heads and power supplies; escalate equipment issues as needed.
• Observe all safety standards; maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; report hazards, incidents, or near-misses promptly.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending corrective or preventive actions.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical diploma or associate degree in welding technology, machining, or a related trade strongly preferred.
• Completion of a formal welding and orbital welding training program (trade school, apprenticeship, or military) preferred.
• 3-5 years of hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductor, or high-purity fabrication environment; orbital/TIG-specific experience is a plus.

Certifications & Technical Qualifications

• Current or attainable welder certification such as AWS D1.1/D1.6, ASME Section IX, or equivalent; ability to re-certify to specific weld procedures as required.
• Capable of orbital GTAW/TIG welding of stainless steel tube and pipe (sizes typically 1/8 in to 1/2 in O.D.); manual TIG and MIG experience beneficial.
• Ability to read and apply AWS welding symbols, weld procedure specifications (WPS), and engineering drawings/blueprints.
• Experience with and learned knowledge of high-purity/semiconductor cleanliness standards (e.g., SEMI F19/F20-type practices) is a plus.
• OSHA 10 training is preferred and ability to become certified.
• Basic computer literacy for data entry into manufacturing execution systems (MES/ERP).

Skills & Abilities

• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precision joint fit-up and torch/orbital head control.
• Solid understanding of metallurgy, filler metals, and shielding gas selection for stainless steel and specialty alloys.
• Detail-oriented with a strong quality mindset and ability to self-inspect work to zero-defect standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication; able to collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, using standard operating procedures to resolve routine problems.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. and use hand/power tools safely.
• Ability to wear cleanroom coveralls, hood, mask, booties, gloves, (cleanroom suit).
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmet, gloves, steel-toed shoes, and safety glasses required at all times in designated areas.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing/fabrication shop within cleanroom and lab spaces; some exposure to fumes, heat, and noise typical of a welding environment, mitigated by ventilation and safety controls.

Additional Information

• Travel:
  Possibly, up to 10% of the time.
• Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, and paid time off, plus eligibility for bonus and stock award programs as applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All 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…