0001 Applied Materials, Inc
0001 Applied Materials, IncVerified Source

Process Engineer III Defects Technologist

124K–171K
Onsite · San Jose, California
Posted August 5, 2026
payroll

Overview

Apply at Applied Materials where you will own defect analysis and troubleshooting for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Lead initiatives to reduce defects and improve production quality. Work with cross-functional teams to expand defect knowledge bases and implement new technologies. Stand out by driving measurable improvements in manufacturing performance and collaborating with global R&D experts.

What You'll Do15

  • 1Support AGS service product development for defects and Zero Defect CoE defect knowledge base development focusing on defect analysis and reduction methodologies
  • 2Design and implement defect knowledge base frameworks including root cause identification and failure analysis aligned with program goals
  • 3Develop DefectRx data collection strategies and failure analysis plans in collaboration with Subject Matter Experts aligned with objectives
  • 4Review and validate defect data analysis conducted by field engineers ensuring data integrity and verifying DES auto-classification accuracy
  • 5Partner with field engineers to identify root causes using the DefectExpert System while collaborating with cross-functional SMEs to fill knowledge gaps
  • 6Contribute to expanding DES and Zero Defect knowledge bases by integrating learnings and field data across FabVantage DefectRx Defect CoE BU TSE and FSO teams
  • 7Develop and enhance defect troubleshooting methodologies including structured troubleshooting trees by equipment type with detailed workflows
  • 8Perform gap analysis of existing defect troubleshooting capabilities and recommend improvements based on fab requirements and field feedback
  • 9Collect and analyze defect incident data from legacy and NPI tools validating root causes and implementing corrective solutions
  • 10Build maintain and curate comprehensive defect knowledge bases containing defect signatures wafer maps particle images and compositional data
  • 11Analyze installed base configurations and service case histories to ensure knowledge bases cover product and system variations
  • 12Partner with Service Business Units and Business Units to define roadmaps for defect troubleshooting and reduction solutions
  • 13Develop training materials technical documentation case studies bulletins and lessons learned to support field deployment and knowledge sharing
  • 14Contribute to customer value propositions for DES encouraging collaboration and defect data sharing
  • 15Participate in technical forums workshops symposia and internal communities to drive thought leadership

Requirements9

  • 1Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering Physics Chemistry or related field
  • 24–7 years of semiconductor industry experience
  • 3Demonstrated expertise in defect troubleshooting methodologies for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
  • 4Strong analytical and problem solving skills with experience in complex systems and root cause analysis
  • 5Familiarity with advanced analytical tools such as SEM FIB TEM AFM EDX XPS Auger XRD XRF Raman FTIR RGA OES
  • 6Knowledge of particulate transport mechanisms electrophoresis thermophoresis photophoresis aerosols plasma processes and vacuum systems
  • 7Experience with semiconductor equipment in Dielectric Deposition Etch or Metal Deposition
  • 8Experience in memory or logic fabs or semiconductor equipment hardware process development
  • 9Additional preferred qualifications include experience with advanced characterization tools and understanding of deposition physics

Salary Insight

$124 - $171k per year

Location

Typeonsite
LocationSan Jose, California

Required Skills

Defect analysisRoot cause analysisFailure analysisSEMFIBTEMAFMEDXXPSRaman spectroscopyFTIR
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