Principal Process Engineer / Customer Technologist

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

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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. 

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to combine deep semiconductor process expertise with customer engagement, technology leadership, and strategic influence. You'll work directly with industry-leading customers, shape future product direction, and play a critical role in bringing next-generation semiconductor technologies to market.

What You'll Do

As a key technical leader, you'll partner with some of the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturers to solve complex process challenges, drive technology adoption, and influence next-generation product development.

In this highly visible customer-facing role, you will:

• Lead the resolution of complex semiconductor process and technology issues using advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and DOE methodologies.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to strategic customers, driving process optimization, customer satisfaction, and long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, product, and business teams to develop and deliver innovative process solutions that meet customer requirements.
• Design, execute, and evaluate customer demonstrations, technology evaluations, beta programs, and joint development activities.
• Support new technology introductions and technology transfers while customizing process solutions for customer applications.
• Act as the voice of the customer by influencing product strategy, identifying technology gaps, and providing feedback on process and hardware improvements.
• Present technical roadmaps, solutions, and business recommendations to customer executives and senior leadership.
• Build strategic relationships with leading semiconductor manufacturers to evaluate emerging technologies and accelerate adoption of next-generation solutions.
• Drive knowledge sharing and best practices across global teams to strengthen product performance and customer success.
• Stay at the forefront of semiconductor technology trends through industry engagement, technical publications, and collaboration with internal and external experts.

Education

• BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Semiconductor Engineering OR equivalent experience
• MS or PhD preferred

Experience

• 8-15+ years in semiconductor process engineering or technology development
• Customer-facing support for wafer fabrication accounts
• Technology transfer, process integration, yield improvement, and NPI experience
• Experience with Logic, DRAM, NAND, or Advanced Packaging

Technical Skills

• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• JMP, Minitab, SPC and statistical analysis
• Root Cause Analysis, 8D, FMEA, Fishbone
• Semiconductor process development and optimization
• Hardware/process interaction troubleshooting

Customer & Leadership Competencies

• Executive presentations
• Technical account leadership
• Joint development programs and beta evaluations
• Cross-functional leadership
• Strategic roadmap discussions

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

The Head of HeadSmart is responsible for the global leadership, operational performance, and strategic support of the SBU direction for the HeadSmart business. This role provides end-to-end accountability for capacity planning, operational excellence, customer readiness, technology transfer, quality performance, workforce development, and expansion of HeadSmart capabilities worldwide.

Additional Information

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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.