Field Service Engineering Tech

Field Service Engineer [Customer Engineer]

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

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.

Serve as the primary technical resource for corrective maintenance, equipment recoveries, and escalations on manufacturing equipment.

Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, software, and process-related equipment issues to minimize downtime.

Perform root cause analysis using troubleshooting methodologies, equipment history, diagnostic tools, and data analysis to eliminate recurring failures.

Lead and coordinate equipment recovery efforts during unscheduled downtime events and critical tool outages.

Partner with Equipment Maintenance Technicians to improve maintenance strategies, troubleshooting effectiveness, and overall equipment performance.

Support tool installation, startup, qualification, retrofit, and upgrade activities while ensuring compliance with customer and company standards.

Collaborate with engineering, technical support, and customer teams to implement equipment improvements and reliability enhancements.

Maintain accurate service documentation, equipment records, troubleshooting logs, and technical reports.

Provide clear communication regarding equipment status, recovery plans, and operational risks to management and customer stakeholders.

Develop and implement corrective actions that improve tool uptime, Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and overall equipment effectiveness.

Mentor technicians and less experienced engineers on troubleshooting techniques, best-known methods, and equipment operation.

Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Maintain compliance with all environmental, health, and safety requirements, including LOTO, PPE, hazardous materials handling, and audit readiness.

Promote and actively contribute to Applied Materials' safety-first culture.

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.

Ability to work any 12-hour shift schedule and support occasional off-shift, weekend, or emergency recovery activities as required.

Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and customer personnel.

Associate's degree in Electronics, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics,

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field or; military technical training; 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.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, TPM, FMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Advanced Equipment Troubleshooting

Corrective Maintenance Leadership

Root Cause Analysis

Equipment Recovery and Escalation Management

Customer Engagement

Equipment Reliability Improvement

Engineering Project Support

Tool Installation and Upgrades

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.

Time Type: Full time

Travel: Yes, 25% 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.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at View phone number on click.appcast.io, 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.