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:
$147,000.00 - $202,500.00Location:
Santa Clara,CAYou’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.
Key Responsibilities
Lead process integration for advanced semiconductor and photonic devices, enabling next-generation high-performance interconnect technologies
Translate device architectures and design layouts into robust, manufacturable process flows across development and pilot manufacturing
Drive C&F activities, including rapid proof-of-concept and prototyping builds
Define and track critical process parameters and integration metrics; partner with module owners to optimize unit processes
Own end-to-end integration flow execution, including process definition, build scheduling, risk assessment, and readiness
Drive yield improvement, SPC, and CIP across complex fabrication flows
Conduct optical, electrical, and tolerance analyses to improve device efficiency, scalability, and manufacturability
Collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, product development, design, and production teams to accelerate technology development
Engage with external vendors, partners and customers to support technology development, material selection, and process scaling
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related discipline (Master’s degree with relevant industry experience will be considered)
Strong experience in semiconductor process integration in leading fab / foundry
Solid understanding of semiconductor unit processes including lithography, etch, thin film deposition, metallization, implant, CMP, etc.
Strong experience in yield analysis, metrology, and SPC implementation
Experience with simulation and design tools, such as: Cadence, KLayout, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS
Proven ability to work effectively in matrixed, cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in photonic devices, co-packaged optics (CPO), or optical interconnect technologies
Background in advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration
Key Competencies
Demonstrated depth in building, debugging, and optimizing device integration flows.
Strong innovation mindset with the ability to develop novel, out-of-the-box integration solutions to complex technical challenges.
Proven ability to influence and align stakeholders without direct authority across diverse functional teams.
Clear and structured communication of complex integration challenges, trade-offs, and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong discipline in process documentation, change management, and data-driven decision-making
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
New College GradTravel:
Yes, 10% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:
YesThe 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
- MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
- Strong knowledge of optoelectronic device physics and design
- 5+ years of experience in compound semiconductor processing (GaN, GaAs, InP) with emphasis on microLED or VCSEL technologies
- Deep understanding and hands-on experience for epitaxial growth, litho, etching, metallization, passivation, backend, packaging and testing for optoelectronic devices
- Proficiency in simulation tools for optical/electrical/thermal modeling
- Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and capability to work in a collaborative research environment
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.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards, with a 401(k) match structure and auto-enrollment described alongside participation in stock-related programs. The combination of matching and purchase discounts is presented as strengthening longer-term financial benefits beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is characterized as comprehensive, spanning medical/dental/vision as well as life and disability protections, with additional support like EAP and virtual care. Onsite fitness/health centers in certain locations further reinforce the sense of a robust health and wellness benefits stack.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are described as broad, including flexible/unlimited PTO in some roles, paid holidays, sick time, bereavement leave, and parental leave. Flex-time and flexible hours appear repeatedly as part of the overall rewards experience.
Applied Materials Insights
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.
