Process Engineer II Senior

Job Title

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.

Salary: $ - $

Location:

Santa Clara, CA

The candidate will be an individual with demonstrated expertise, preferably in two or more of the following areas:

• AFM-based metrology techniques, including topographical and force-based measurements
• Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and nanoscale IR characterization
• Inorganic materials characterization, including oxides, nitrides, and metal systems
• Photolithography-related characterization, including EUV patterning, line-edge effects, and interface analysis
• Design of Experiments (DOE) and data-driven evaluation methodologies

The candidate will have several years of experience working with advanced metrology tools and applied characterization techniques in a semiconductor manufacturing or development environment. The role will focus on integrating AFM and IR-based methods to solve high-value problems. He/she will work closely with internal Business Units (BUs) to clearly understand technical challenges, translate problems into structured evaluation plans, and assess the suitability and limitations of AFM- and IR-based characterization approaches.

The role requires independent experimental execution, strong analytical judgment, and the ability to communicate results effectively to diverse technical stakeholders.

This position requires hands-on operation in a cleanroom environment, including extended time spent on tool operation, sample preparation, data collection, and troubleshooting.

Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 3 + years (MS) of relevant work experience in semiconductor metrology, materials characterization, or process development
• Strong working knowledge of IR peak identification and interpretation
• Experience designing and executing DOE-based experimental plans
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and translate findings into actionable conclusions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work hands-on in a cleanroom environment for multiple hours per day

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with internal Business Units (BUs) to understand challenges
• Design and execute AFM- and IR-based characterization experiments, including DOE definition
• Perform hands-on measurements, including tool setup, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Analyze and interpret nanoscale IR and AFM data with a strong focus on root-cause identification
• Develop and maintain IR peak reference libraries, correlating experimental spectra with known databases for accurate material identification
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing results, limitations, and recommendations
• Contribute to technical review discussions with BU partners and cross-functional teams
• Engage with external vendors as needed to understand tool capabilities, limitations, and future enhancements

Functional Knowledge:

• Regarded as a technical expert in AFM- and IR-based materials characterization
• Demonstrates deep expertise in own discipline and practical working knowledge of adjacent metrology techniques
• Understands semiconductor manufacturing constraints and integration challenges

Business Expertise:

• Anticipates BU needs and proactively aligns technical work with business priorities
• Clearly communicates capabilities, limitations, and tradeoffs of characterization approaches
• Supports data-driven decisions on technology readiness and applicability

Leadership:

• Leads technical projects with limited supervision
• Demonstrates bias for action and high execution velocity
• Influences technical direction through expertise…