TEM manager

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Manage TEM engineers and technicians in utilizing Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques for semiconductor characterization. Manage, lead, and execute metrology engineering initiatives by applying advanced TEM characterization expertise, ensuring all project outcomes are delivered in alignment with Applied Problem Solving methodology. Lead TEM lab operations, including tracking and analyzing key operational metrics, identifying and implementing new metrics to drive lab performance, and strategizing and executing workflow improvements to enhance lab efficiency, quality, and turnaround time. Develop and implement new technology, analytical techniques, and instrumentation to enhance TEM lab capability and performance. Maintain hands‑on engagement on tools to create and validate new methods for complex sample types, support team training, and establish structured training programs to continuously develop technical skills across the team. Work closely with FIB Managers to provide clear, actionable feedback on sample preparation quality, redo root cause, and prevention actions. Drive alignment on cross‑lab workflows, documentation standards, and continuous improvement initiatives between FIB and TEM teams. Interact with key customers and Business Unit (BU) partners to resolve significantly complex metrology issues across all product lines, including ambiguous results, conflicting interpretations, and high‑impact escalations. Manage escalations by proactively addressing urgent business needs, demonstrating flexibility to support priority requests, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams across different shifts and outside regular business hours. Communicate effectively across teams and stakeholders by creating and delivering clear, impactful presentations, sharing technical reviews and project updates, and leading discussions to align on goals, execution plans, and technical direction. Generate and maintain internal and external documentation for TEM techniques, lab protocols, procedures, and Best Known Methods. Ensure TEM lab operations meet all safety and intellectual property standards by conducting regular audits, performing risk assessments, and maintaining compliance documentation.

Requirements

Demonstrates deep technical expertise in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), including contrast mechanisms, imaging modes, and diffraction theory.
Strong deep understanding of advanced TEM techniques such as EDS, EELS, GPA, 4D‑STEM, and crystallographic analysis.
Proven experience in high‑volume TEM production environments, with working knowledge of FIB sample preparation and semiconductor process integration.
Applies understanding of the semiconductor industry and how TEM metrology contributes to product development, yield learning, customer success, and overall business objectives.
Manages a technically focused and generally homogeneous team; adapts plans and priorities to meet operational, production, and service challenges.
Identifies and resolves complex technical, operational, and organizational problems using structured, data‑driven approaches.
Directly impacts service quality, data reliability, turnaround time, and the team’s ability to meet quality, volume, and timeliness objectives.
Guided by policies and resource requirements within the business unit, department, or sub‑function.
Guides, influences, and aligns team members and cross‑functional partners, including FIB teams, BU engineers, and leadership stakeholders.
Position requires understanding of Applied Materials’ global Standards of Business Conduct and full compliance with these standards at all times, demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct consistent with Applied Materials’ core values.

Responsibilities

Manage TEM engineers and technicians in utilizing Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques for semiconductor characterization.
Manage, lead, and execute metrology engineering initiatives by applying advanced TEM characterization expertise, ensuring all project outcomes are delivered in alignment with Applied Problem Solving methodology.
Lead TEM lab operations, including tracking and analyzing key operational metrics, identifying and implementing new metrics to drive lab performance, and strategizing and executing workflow improvements to enhance lab efficiency, quality, and turnaround time.
Develop and implement new technology, analytical techniques, and instrumentation to enhance TEM lab capability and performance.
Maintain hands‑on engagement on tools to create and validate new methods for complex sample types, support team training, and establish structured training programs to continuously develop technical skills across the team.
Work closely with FIB Managers to provide clear, actionable feedback on sample preparation quality, redo root cause, and prevention actions.
Drive alignment on cross‑lab workflows, documentation standards, and continuous improvement initiatives between FIB and TEM teams.
Interact with key customers and Business Unit (BU) partners to resolve significantly complex metrology issues across all product lines, including ambiguous results, conflicting interpretations, and high‑impact escalations.
Manage escalations by proactively addressing urgent business needs, demonstrating flexibility to support priority requests, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams across different shifts and outside regular business hours.
Communicate effectively across teams and stakeholders by creating and delivering clear, impactful presentations, sharing technical reviews and project updates, and leading discussions to align on goals, execution plans, and technical direction.
Generate and maintain internal and external documentation for TEM techniques, lab protocols, procedures, and Best Known Methods.
Ensure TEM lab operations meet all safety and intellectual property standards by conducting regular audits, performing risk assessments, and maintaining compliance documentation.