Patterning Process Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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Santa Clara, CA, USA
In-Office
124K-171K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Semiconductor • Manufacturing
The Role
Design, optimize, and characterize patterning process flows for semiconductor/display manufacturing. Collect and analyze experimental data, improve key patterning metrics (CD, CDU, LER/LWR, DOF), troubleshoot process issues, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to advance process technology and resolve customer concerns.
Summary Generated by Built In

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

Salary:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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.  

Role Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize new or modified patterning test vehicle flows to support advanced patterning technology development. Compile, analyze, and evaluate experimental data to establish process windows, specifications, and material requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership in the development and continuous improvement of advanced patterning short-loop processes. Drive improvements in key process metrics, including critical dimension (CD), CD uniformity (CDU), line edge roughness (LER), line width roughness (LWR), depth of focus (DOF), exposure latitude, statistical process control (SPC), yield, and defectivity.
  • Partner with process and integration engineering teams to develop integrated process flows, implement innovative methodologies, troubleshoot process challenges, perform root cause analysis, and resolve complex engineering issues.
  • Collaborate with external partners on joint development programs by designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports to advance process technology and performance.
  • Engage directly with internal and external customers to address complex process engineering challenges, communicate technical findings, and drive effective resolution of issues with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 4 to 7 years of semiconductor experience in advanced lithography, patterning, or semiconductor process development.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems through a combination of strong analytical skills, engineering judgment, and hands-on experimentation.
  • Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • 4 to 7 years semiconductor experience in advanced lithography, patterning, or process development.
  • Experience developing and optimizing patterning flows and short-loop processes.
  • Experience with process metrics and metrology (CD, CDU, LER, LWR, DOF, exposure latitude, SPC, yield, defectivity).
  • Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and root cause investigation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems using analytical skills, engineering judgment, and hands-on experimentation.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional and customer engagement.

Applied Materials Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Applied Materials and has not been reviewed or approved by Applied Materials.

  • Strong & Reliable Incentives Annual and performance bonuses are often characterized as generous and predictable, with multiple programs (AIP/DBI/SIP) explicitly highlighted. Feedback suggests these incentives meaningfully augment base pay across many roles.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility Restricted Stock Units and an employee stock purchase plan are standard components of offers, and strong stock performance has made equity a notable upside. In some roles, RSUs and refreshers provide a meaningful boost to total compensation.
  • Healthcare Strength Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, alongside EAP support and on‑site/virtual health centers in key locations, are emphasized as part of a robust package. Benefits typically start on day one, and the breadth of coverage is highlighted as a core strength.

Applied Materials Insights

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The Company
HQ: Santa Clara, CA
23,282 Employees
Year Founded: 1969

What We Do

Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future.

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