Process Engineer III, Defects Technologist

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 . As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects. Role Responsibilities: Support AGS service product development for defects and Zero Defect CoE defect knowledge base development, with a primary focus on defect analysis, troubleshooting, and reduction methodologies Design and implement defect knowledge base frameworks, including root cause identification, failure analysis, and solution development Develop DefectRx data collection strategies and failure analysis (FA) plans in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), aligned with program goals and objectives Review and validate defect data analysis conducted by field engineers (MPEs, CEs); ensure data integrity and verify DES auto-classification accuracy Partner with field engineers to identify defect root causes using the DefectExpert System (DES); collaborate with cross-functional SMEs when knowledge gaps exist Contribute to the expansion and continuous improvement of DES and Zero Defect knowledge bases by integrating learnings and field data Collaborate with cross-functional teams (FabVantage, DefectRx, Defect CoE, BU, TSE, FSO) to extend DES capabilities across additional products and legacy tools Develop and enhance defect troubleshooting methodologies, including troubleshooting trees by equipment type with structured workflows and detailed steps Perform gap analysis of existing defect troubleshooting capabilities and recommend improvements based on fab requirements and field feedback Collect and analyze defect incident data from field operations (legacy and NPI tools); validate root causes and implement corrective solutions Build, maintain, and curate comprehensive defect knowledge bases, including defect signatures, wafer maps, particle images, and compositional data Analyze installed base configurations and service case histories to ensure knowledge bases adequately cover product and system variations Partner with Service Business Units (SBUs) and Business Units (BUs) to define roadmaps for defect troubleshooting and defect reduction solutions Develop training materials, technical documentation, case studies, technical bulletins, and lessons learned to support field deployment and knowledge sharing Contribute to customer value propositions for DES to encourage collaboration and defect data sharing Actively participate in technical forums, workshops, symposia, and internal communities (Defect CoP, CoE meetings, project reviews, conferences) to drive thought leadership Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field 4–7 years of semiconductor industry experience Demonstrated expertise in defect troubleshooting methodologies for semiconductor manufacturing equipment Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in complex systems and root cause analysis Preferred Qualifications: Experience with semiconductor equipment in Dielectric Deposition, Etch, or Metal Deposition Experience working in memory or logic fabs, or in semiconductor equipment hardware/process development Familiarity with advanced analytical and characterization tools, such as: SEM, FIB, TEM, AFM, EDX, XPS, Auger, XRD, XRF, Raman, FTIR, RGA, OES Knowledge of particulate transport mechanisms (electrophoresis, thermophoresis, photophoresis), aerosols, plasma processes, and vacuum systems Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 10% 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. 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. 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