Field Service Engineer 3 - Process Diagnostics, Control/Metrology

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:

$37.00 - $51.20

Location:

Austin,TX

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 Field Service Engineer [Customer Engineer] at Applied Materials, you serve as the direct liaison with customers, collaborating closely to install, maintain, and upgrade equipment. You'll use digital analytics for troubleshooting and apply basic diagnostic techniques to assess and address technical issues. Your responsibilities include performing preventative and corrective maintenance on various systems such as electrical, vacuum, mechanical, plasma, hydraulic, and gas systems. Additionally, you'll coordinate and communicate directly with customers to ensure smooth operations and exceptional service.

Field Service Engineer - Process Diagnostics & Control (PDC)

Be the Eyes of the Fab. Power the Future of Technology.

At Applied Materials, we're helping build the technology that powers AI, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, smartphones, and the next generation of semiconductor innovation. Our equipment is used to produce virtually every advanced chip in the world, and we're looking for talented engineers to help keep those systems performing at their best. 

What You'll Do

As a Process Diagnostics & Control (PDC) Field Service Engineer, you'll be the trusted technical expert supporting advanced inspection and metrology systems within some of the world's most sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

These systems are often referred to as the "eyes of the fab" because they monitor, measure, and help control critical manufacturing processes that determine wafer quality and production success.

In this role, you'll:

✅ Troubleshoot highly complex technical issues

✅ Perform preventative and corrective maintenance

✅ Install, qualify, and upgrade advanced semiconductor equipment

✅ Analyze performance data, logs, and diagnostics

✅ Support customer escalations and drive root-cause analysis

✅ Work alongside process engineers, equipment engineers, and fab leadership

✅ Make a direct impact on semiconductor manufacturing performance and uptime

No two days are the same. One day you may be resolving an optics alignment issue. The next, you may be diagnosing a vacuum system fault or partnering with engineering teams to improve tool performance.

What You'll Work On

You'll support cutting-edge technologies that may include:

• Advanced inspection systems
• Metrology equipment
• Optical systems
• Laser technology
• Electron beam systems
• Vacuum systems
• Precision motion control systems
• Semiconductor manufacturing platforms
  

What Makes Someone Successful?

We are looking for engineers who love solving problems.

Successful PDC Engineers are:

• Natural troubleshooters
• Curious and analytical
• Comfortable working directly with customers
• Strong communicators
• Calm under pressure
• Passionate about continuous learning
  

If you're the person others call when complex equipment stops working, you'll likely thrive in this role.

Ideal Backgrounds

We'd love to hear from candidates with experience in:

• Semiconductor equipment
• Field service engineering
• Equipment engineering
• Metrology or inspection systems
• Vacuum technology
• Optics and lasers
• Automation and robotics
• Advanced manufacturing
• Military technical operations

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Completion of an Associate degree, military technical training, field service experience, or trade certification
• 4-7 years of work experience in semiconductor industry or other equipment support industry
• Advanced mechanical aptitude with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum, and/or thermodynamics
• Strong knowledge of hand tools and their appropriate usage, including digital multimeters
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport, if travel is required.
• Able to meet all on-site requirements, including safety, environmental guidelines, and COVID-19 protocols

Physical Requirements: 
This position often requires extensive walking, standing for extended periods of time, working in tight spaces, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, working at height, lifting up to 35 lbs., the ability to distinguish between colors and working with electricity, the ability to work in an environment with noise that may be difficult for some individuals with sensitivity to noise, and the use of hand and power tools.  Additionally, because this position generally involves working in a clean room, it requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, chemical aprons, and face shields. 

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% 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.