Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are
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.
What We Offer
Salary:
$147,000.00 - $202,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
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 Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.
Title: Process Engineer (Materials Engineering)
Role Summary
The Engineer IV, Materials Engineering, develops and qualifies materials and surface treatment solutions for semiconductor manufacturing hardware operating in aggressive chemical and thermal environments. This role focuses on metallic materials, surface finishing, and protective surface modifications to improve corrosion resistance, cleanliness, and reliability of complex hardware.
The engineer works cross-functionally with design, process, and supplier teams to translate materials science concepts into manufacturable, production-ready solutions.
Core Competencies

• Time and Priority Management: Basic understanding of managing multiple formulation and testing activities.
• Relationship Building: Ability to collaborate effectively with material scientists, supply chain teams, product teams, process teams, supplier teams.
• Project Management: Working experience in planning and executing development and characterization projects.
• Analytical Testing: Advanced understanding of hardware characterization techniques for structural and protective materials.
• Failure Analysis: Understanding of identifying root causes in material performance issues.
• Problem Solving: Working experience applying fundamental principles to identify root cause s and determine corrective actions.
• Communication & Collaboration: Working experience in preparing technical documentation and presenting findings.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to run, track, and carry out multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintains a growth mindset for projects, self, and company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize surface finishing and surface modification processes for metallic hardware used in semiconductor process environments.
• Lead technical work on surface treatments for high-performance alloys, with emphasis on corrosion resistance and surface quality.
• Drive development and implementation of protection schemes on metallic substrates for use in halogen-containing and plasma-assisted processes.
• Design and execute materials characterization and test plans to evaluate surface chemistry, reactivity, and degradation mechanisms.
• Analyze experimental data and provide clear technical recommendations to guide hardware design and materials selection.
• Partner with mechanical design and process teams to ensure materials solutions are compatible with complex geometries
• Support hardware qualification through coupon testing, prototype evaluation, and failure analysis.
• Interface with external suppliers to evaluate, develop, and qualify surface treatment capabilities and ensure scalability and repeatability.
• Generate internal documentation including technical reports, specifications, and best-practice guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of relevant experience in materials engineering, surface engineering, or process development
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex materials problems using experimental data and first-principles understanding
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Materials Science or related discipline
• Experience with metallic materials in corrosive, high-temperature, or plasma environments
• Background in corrosion science, oxidation, surface treatments, or electrochemical processes
• Experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing equipment or high-purity hardware

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% 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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.