Process Engineer

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

18h • $147,000 - $202,500

About The Position

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. 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. The Engineer IV, Materials Engineering, develops and qualifies materials and surface treatment solutions for semiconductor manufacturing hardware operating in aggressive chemical and thermal environments. This role focuses on metallic materials, surface finishing, and protective surface modifications to improve corrosion resistance, cleanliness, and reliability of complex hardware. The engineer works cross‑functionally with design, process, and supplier teams to translate materials science concepts into manufacturable, production‑ready solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of relevant experience in materials engineering, surface engineering, or process development
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex materials problems using experimental data and first‑principles understanding
• Experience working in cross‑functional engineering teams
• Basic understanding of managing multiple formulation and testing activities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with material scientists, supply chain teams, product teams, process teams, supplier teams.
• Working experience in planning and executing development and characterization projects.
• Advanced understanding of hardware characterization techniques for structural and protective materials.
• Understanding of identifying root causes in material performance issues.
• Working experience applying fundamental principles to identify root cause s and determine corrective actions.
• Working experience in preparing technical documentation and presenting findings.
• Ability to run, track, and carry out multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Maintains a growth mindset for projects, self, and company.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Materials Science or related discipline
• Experience with metallic materials in corrosive, high‑temperature, or plasma environments
• Background in corrosion science, oxidation, surface treatments, or electrochemical processes
• Experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing equipment or high‑purity hardware

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize surface finishing and surface modification processes for metallic hardware used in semiconductor process environments.
• Lead technical work on surface treatments for high‑performance alloys, with emphasis on corrosion resistance and surface quality.
• Drive development and implementation of protection schemes on metallic substrates for use in halogen‑containing and plasma‑assisted processes.
• Design and execute materials characterization and test plans to evaluate surface chemistry, reactivity, and degradation mechanisms.
• Analyze experimental data and provide clear technical recommendations to guide hardware design and materials selection.
• Partner with mechanical design and process teams to ensure materials solutions are compatible with complex geometries
• Support hardware qualification through coupon testing, prototype evaluation, and failure analysis.
• Interface with external suppliers to evaluate, develop, and qualify surface treatment capabilities and ensure scalability and repeatability.
• Generate internal documentation including technical reports, specifications, and best‑practice guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees