Who We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary:
$96,500.00 - $132,500.00Location:
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.
About the role
Applied Materials’ SPG metrology group supports a wide range of business units (BUs) by delivering sample preparation, imaging, and measurement data. As the scope and volume of work continue to grow, maintaining consistent, high-quality output becomes increasingly important.
We are seeking a Quality Engineer, FIB/TEM Operations to support quality improvement, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives across our metrology organization.
In this role, you will work closely with engineers, technicians, managers, and business unit customers to improve workflows, reduce recurring issues, enhance lab operations, and support key projects across the organization.
While quality improvement is an important part of the role, this position also supports process improvement, operational excellence, system implementation, and strategic projects across the metrology organization.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to a broad range of projects supporting the growth and transformation of the metrology organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive quality, process, and operational improvement initiatives across FIB/TEM and related metrology operations.
- Partner with engineers, technicians, managers, and BU customers to understand requirements, resolve challenges, and improve overall lab performance.
- Coordinate cross-functional activities across engineering, operations, BUs, and support organizations to drive alignment and execute improvement initiatives.
- Analyze operational and quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement, and drive actions to closure.
- Support the development of quality frameworks, performance metrics, best practices, and standardized workflows across the organization.
- Lead or support projects related to lab operations, workflow improvements, automation, digital transformation, and infrastructure expansion.
- Facilitate communication and alignment among stakeholders to ensure projects and initiatives move forward effectively and achieve intended outcomes.
- Support strategic initiatives and help scale lab operations as business demand continues to grow.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications
- BS or higher degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in semiconductor metrology, characterization, failure analysis, process engineering, quality engineering, or lab operations.
- Working knowledge of FIB, TEM, SEM, or related characterization and metrology techniques.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives in a cross-functional environment.
- Experience supporting FIB and/or TEM lab operations in a laboratory or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading technical, operational, or process improvement projects.
- Familiarity with quality methods (e.g., SPC, measurement system analysis, DOE, or Six Sigma).
- Experience with data analysis and reporting tools such as Python, Power BI, Smartsheet, Tableau, or similar tools.
What we’re looking for
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across teams and organizations.
- Ability to independently drive projects, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver results.
- Strong technical foundation with the ability to quickly understand engineering and operational challenges.
- Experience supporting automation or digital transformation initiatives.
- Experience working directly with customers, stakeholders, or cross-functional teams to drive alignment and project execution.
- Strong organizational and execution skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Practical, data-driven problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Comfortable balancing day-to-day operational support with longer-term improvement initiatives.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to influence and drive alignment without direct authority.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
Assignee / RegularTravel:
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
- B.S. or higher in related field
- 3+ years experience in quality, metrology, characterization, failure analysis, or process engineering
- Working knowledge of a metrology or lab environment with ability to judge output against requirements
- Strong problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach
- Strong communication skills; ability to work across teams and drive alignment without direct authority
- Experience with semiconductor metrology or electron microscopy (FIB, TEM, SEM)
- Familiarity with quality methods (SPC, measurement system analysis, DOE, or Six Sigma)
- Experience using data tools (Python, Power BI, Tableau) for analysis and reporting
- Exposure to automation, data modeling, or data-driven approaches to quality improvement
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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Healthcare Strength — Company materials emphasize comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and wellness programs for employees and families, with coverage beginning on day one in many cases. On-site or virtual care options at major campuses further reinforce the breadth of support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Exempt employees are offered a Flexible Time Off program and U.S. teams observe 11 paid company holidays. These policies are consistently highlighted across official benefits summaries.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan is widely available and presented as a core part of the U.S. package, alongside equity grants in many roles. These ownership elements are positioned as meaningful contributors to total rewards.
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.
