Field Service Engineer

Field Service Engineer [Customer Engineer]

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. 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.

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.

The Customer Engineer is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, sustaining, and improving semiconductor manufacturing equipment to maximize tool availability, performance, and customer satisfaction. This role serves as the primary technical resource for corrective maintenance and equipment recovery activities, utilizing advanced mechanical, electrical, and systems troubleshooting skills to resolve complex equipment issues. The Customer Engineer partners closely with Equipment Maintenance Technicians, engineering teams, and customer personnel to drive equipment reliability, support continuous improvement initiatives, and execute tool installations, upgrades, and retrofit projects.

Responsibilities include serving as the primary technical resource for corrective maintenance, equipment recoveries, and escalations on manufacturing equipment; diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, software, and process-related equipment issues to minimize downtime; performing root cause analysis using troubleshooting methodologies, equipment history, diagnostic tools, and data analysis to eliminate recurring failures; leading and coordinating equipment recovery efforts during unscheduled downtime events and critical tool outages; partnering with Equipment Maintenance Technicians to improve maintenance strategies, troubleshooting effectiveness, and overall equipment performance; supporting tool installation, startup, qualification, retrofit, and upgrade activities while ensuring compliance with customer and company standards; collaborating with engineering, technical support, and customer teams to implement equipment improvements and reliability enhancements; maintaining accurate service documentation, equipment records, troubleshooting logs, and technical reports; providing clear communication regarding equipment status, recovery plans, and operational risks to management and customer stakeholders; developing and implementing corrective actions that improve tool uptime, Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and overall equipment effectiveness; mentoring technicians and less experienced engineers on troubleshooting techniques, best-known methods, and equipment operation; supporting continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction; maintaining compliance with all environmental, health, and safety requirements, including LOTO, PPE, hazardous materials handling, and audit readiness; and promoting and actively contributing to Applied Materials' safety-first culture.

Minimum qualifications include strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex equipment failures; working knowledge of AC/DC circuits, RF systems, vacuum systems, pneumatics, electronics, and electro-mechanical assemblies; ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, engineering drawings, and service procedures; experience utilizing diagnostic tools such as digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and other test equipment; proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills in a technical manufacturing or equipment support environment; strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills; ability to work any 12-hour shift schedule and support occasional off-shift, weekend, or emergency recovery activities as required; ability to stand for extended periods, work in cleanroom environments, climb ladders, and lift up to 20 pounds; and ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and customer personnel.

Preferred qualifications include an associate's degree in Electronics, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics; a bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field or; military technical training; or equivalent experience; previous experience troubleshooting and repairing semiconductor manufacturing equipment; experience supporting Dry Etch, Plasma Processing, RF Power Systems, Vacuum Systems, Robotics, or similar semiconductor process equipment; experience supporting tool installations, equipment upgrades, retrofits, and new technology deployments; familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes, factory automation systems, and equipment performance metrics; and knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, TPM, FMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Key competencies include advanced equipment troubleshooting; corrective maintenance leadership; root cause analysis; equipment recovery and escalation management; technical problem solving; customer engagement; equipment reliability improvement; engineering project support; tool installation and upgrades; communication and collaboration; safety leadership; and continuous improvement.

Physical requirements include 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 includes full-time employment, assignee/regular employee type, travel of 25% of the time, and relocation eligibility. 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. 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.