Process Engineer FIB/TEM Operations

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials' SPG Metrology organization supports a wide range of business units through FIB, TEM, SEM, and related analytical capabilities. As the scope and volume of work continue to grow, maintaining consistent quality while improving operational efficiency becomes increasingly important. We are seeking a Process Engineer, FIB/TEM Operations to drive quality and operational improvement initiatives across our metrology organization. The primary focus of this role is to drive quality improvement initiatives within the FIB/TEM quality framework, helping improve consistency, repeatability, and lab performance. You will also lead cross-functional projects focused on productivity, capacity, and operational efficiency through process improvement, automation, workflow optimization, and tool expansion. You will work closely with engineers, technicians, managers, business unit customers, suppliers, and partner labs to identify opportunities, align stakeholders, and drive initiatives to successful implementation. This role succeeds through influence, alignment, and execution across multiple teams.

Requirements

• BS or higher degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, characterization, process engineering, quality engineering, failure analysis, or lab operations.
• Hands-on experience operating FIB and/or TEM/STEM in a laboratory or semiconductor environment.
• Experience driving quality improvements through metrics, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, or process standardization.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and work effectively across multiple teams.
• Technically credible in FIB and/or TEM, with the ability to engage effectively with experienced engineers and technicians.
• Collaborative and influential, with the ability to build agreement and move work forward across teams.
• Organized and execution-focused, with strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Comfortable facilitating discussions, resolving ambiguity, and coordinating stakeholders with different priorities.
• Practical, data-driven problem solver with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to balance operational needs and longer-term improvement projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with both FIB sample preparation and TEM/STEM imaging.
• Experience supporting FIB/TEM lab operations or semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading quality, operational, or process-improvement projects.
• Familiarity with SPC, MSA, DOE, Six Sigma, or similar quality methodologies.
• Experience with data analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement initiatives within the FIB/TEM quality framework to improve consistency, repeatability, and operational performance.
• Develop quality standards, acceptance criteria, metrics, and best practices for FIB/TEM operations.
• Analyze quality and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Partner with hardware and equipment teams and with equipment suppliers to improve tool capability, availability, calibration, and consistency.
• Lead or support projects focused on productivity, workflow optimization, automation, tool expansion, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and drive initiatives that improve throughput, cycle time, capacity, and overall lab efficiency.
• Translate business unit requirements into practical quality standards and operational improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to align stakeholders and successfully execute improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Opportunities to take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for customers.
• Empowerment to push boundaries and learn every day in a leading global company.
• Programs and support for personal and professional growth.
• Care for employees at work, at home, or wherever they may go.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level