Background Investigator

Applied Materials•Riverview, FL

2d•$72,000 - $99,000•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is seeking a detail-oriented Background Analyst to support its global Background Check (BGC) program within Global Security Operations (GSO). The role supports background checks for employees, contractors, and other workers, helping ensure accurate, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes across regions. The analyst reviews BGC results, identifies discrepancies and potential risk indicators, documents cases, and escalates issues to appropriate stakeholders. The position works closely with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Legal, Privacy, Global Trade Compliance, GSO investigators, and third-party screening vendors. It also supports GSO investigations and broader security efforts through research, records review, case documentation, and data requests. The analyst uses AI and automation tools to improve case review, tracking, reporting, and routine communications while protecting privacy and ensuring human review of adjudication decisions. The position requires an on-site presence of 40 hours per week and reports to the GSO Personnel Security Manager. Travel is listed as up to 5% in the role description; additional information separately lists travel as “No.” The posted salary range is $72,000–$99,000. The role is full-time and regular.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in background screening, personnel security, investigations, or a related field.
Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience in background investigations or personnel security in lieu of education.
Working knowledge of the FCRA, fair chance hiring requirements, and international privacy and screening regulations such as GDPR.
Experience supporting a global or multi-region background check program and working with screening vendors and case management systems.
Experience supporting investigations, including research, records review, and written case documentation.
Working knowledge of AI and automation tools, such as generative AI assistants and workflow automation, and their application to improve efficiency and quality.
Strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate daily with HR, Legal, and business partners across a multinational organization.
Sound judgment and a high degree of integrity.
Confidence to escalate issues promptly and objectively.
Ability to work independently while managing a high volume of cases.
Strong partner and customer service orientation and professional communication style.
Ability to manage sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality of privileged information and personal data.
Ability to work on site 40 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as PBSA FCRA Basic Certification, PCI, or CFE.

Responsibilities

Support daily operations of the global Background Check program for employees, contractors, and other workers across Applied Materials regions.
Review and analyze background check results, including criminal history, employment, education, and professional license verifications, and identify discrepancies and potential risk indicators.
Escalate adverse findings, discrepancies, and program issues to HR, Legal, and GSO leadership with clear and accurate documentation.
Work with HR and Talent Acquisition on case status, candidate questions, and pre-adverse and adverse action processes in compliance with FCRA and applicable laws.
Manage case intake, tracking, and documentation in the background check case management system, maintaining complete, accurate, audit-ready records.
Serve as a point of contact for third-party screening vendors and monitor service levels, turnaround times, and report quality across regions.
Support GSO investigations through research, records review, case documentation, and responses to data requests.
Provide broader security support as needed, including insider risk referrals, restricted party screening support, and special projects.
Use AI and automation tools to streamline background check workflows, including case intake, results summarization, status tracking, and routine partner communications.
Identify opportunities to use AI to reduce turnaround times, improve consistency, and reduce repetitive manual tasks while ensuring human review of adjudication decisions.
Use AI tools in accordance with company policies on data privacy, confidentiality, and acceptable use.
Develop and maintain program metrics, dashboards, and regular reports for GSO and HR leadership.
Develop and maintain SOPs, job aids, and procedural checklists for consistent, current processes across regions.
Protect personally identifiable information and ensure background check activities comply with statutory, privacy, regulatory, and company requirements.