Automation Engineer

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

Location:

Tainan,TWN

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 Systems Engineer, you’ll design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced solutions to intricate processes and writing system specifications. You’ll be responsible for analyzing requirements, defining system architectures, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally, you’ll identify and mitigate risks, confirming that our systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.  

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for front-end, ICAPS, and advanced packaging processes.
• Integrate automation and control solutions into IPC digital lithography, optical patterned wafer inspection, and contamination & defect inspection systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across automation, control, and data-connectivity systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and requirements from front-end to advanced packaging.
• Develop and maintain documentation for automation, control, and data-connectivity processes and systems.
• Ensure compliance with SEMI standards (e.g., SECS/GEM, E84, E87) and Industry 4.0 best practices.
• Ensure the uptime and reliability of all equipment and systems
• Deliver sustainable automation and control solutions that support long-term operational goals.

Must-Have Qualifications

• EFEM application expertise from front-end to advanced packaging — substrate handling for wafers and panels of varying sizes, shapes, and properties, plus loadport, OHT, AGV, and conveyor integration.
• Experienced in various industry robotics application (Kawasaki/Yaskawa/Rorze/Hirata/Daihen) and system-integration experience for automated substrate handling.
• PLC programming, HMI development and SCADA development on EFEM and substrate transfer platforms.
• Electrical automation design — control systems, sensors, and actuators; working knowledge of electrical circuits, power systems, and control theory.
• Familiarity with SEMI standards, specific regulations and compliance requirements in automation equipment, including communication — SECS/GEM (E30), E84, and E87 related compliance.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to ensure equipment uptime and reliability.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering design — Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, mechanism design, material selection, and structural/thermal analysis.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (AutoCAD/Inventor/NX).
• Industry 4.0 technologies — IoT, AI/ML, cyber-physical systems, and AI in robotics.
• Business-process analysis to identify automation opportunities and assess financial trade-offs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a collaborative team of engineers sharing EFEM, robotics, and factory-automation competency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the automation and control community.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
   

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability to dynamic project requirements and priorities.

Basic Requirements

Education: BSEE/BSME or related engineering discipline; MS preferred.

Experience: 8+ years in automation, control, or semiconductor equipment engineering.

Work Model: Onsite at Tainan.

Travel: 25% to customer / supplier sites.

As an Automation Engineer on our EFEM, robotics, and factory-automation team, you will design and deliver automation and control solutions that integrate directly into our IPC digital lithography systems, optical patterned wafer inspection, and contamination & defect inspection platforms. You will work across a diverse range of substrates — including wafers and panels of varying shapes, sizes, and material properties — spanning front-end, ICAPS, and advanced packaging processes.

This is a high-impact role on a growing team, where your work directly enables next-generation semiconductor and advanced-packaging manufacturing. You will collaborate with a group of EFEM, robotics, and factory-automation specialists and help shape our automation roadmap, with a clear path toward technical leadership.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

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.