Customer Engineer – International Development Program (m/f/d)

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:

€52.000,00 - €71.500,00

Location:

Dresden,DEU

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.

Are you ready to launch your career at the forefront of the semiconductor industry?

As a Customer Engineer supporting one of Applied Materials' most strategic customers in Europe, you will embark on a structured international development journey designed to transform high-potential talent into technical experts.

Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on field experience, mentorship from industry specialists, and exposure to cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing technologies, you will develop the technical, problem-solving, and customer-facing skills required to support some of the world's most advanced semiconductor equipment. 

The program begins with onboarding and foundational training in Dresden, followed by a unique 12-month international assignment in Taiwan. During this immersive experience, you will receive extensive technical training, gain practical field exposure at leading semiconductor manufacturing sites, and collaborate with global experts across Applied Materials. Upon completion, you will return to Dresden equipped to play a critical role in supporting the successful startup and long-term operation of a major greenfield semiconductor fabrication facility, helping drive the future of technology in Europe. 

Travel: Up to 20% (higher during the first 18 months). Upon completion of the standard technical training program, candidates will have the unique opportunity to undertake a 12-month assignment at an advanced semiconductor fabrication facility in Taiwan. 

What You'll Do

• Learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Applied Materials semiconductor equipment. 

• Perform routine preventive maintenance under the guidance of experienced engineers. 

• Support equipment installations and system start-ups. 

• Apply diagnostic techniques and structured troubleshooting methodologies to identify equipment issues. 

• Assist with hardware and process start-up activities. 

• Participate in technical training and certification programs. 

• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to resolve technical challenges. 

• Follow all safety, quality, and operational procedures. 

• Utilize knowledge management systems and best-known methods (BKMs). 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment uptime and customer satisfaction. 

What You'll Learn

Applied Materials provides comprehensive training to help you develop expertise in: 

• Semiconductor manufacturing technologies 

• Advanced vacuum and plasma systems 

• Equipment diagnostics and troubleshooting 

• Customer-facing technical support 

• Cleanroom operations and best practices 

• Installation and optimization of highly sophisticated manufacturing equipment 

• Global collaboration within an international engineering organization 

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Mechatronics Qualification, Military Technical Training, Trade Certification, or equivalent technical education 

• 0-3 years of experience in:  

Field Service / Maintenance / Installation Engineering / Manufacturing Support / Automation / Electronics / Mechanical Engineering / Semiconductor Manufacturing 

• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics 

• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills 
• Mechanical aptitude involving pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum systems, or thermodynamics 

• Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and basic test equipment 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 

• Valid authorization to live and work in Germany and the ability to return to Germany following the Taiwan training assignment 

• Valid driver's license 

• Ability to meet all customer site requirements, including safety, environmental, and health-related protocols 

Functional Knowledge

• Developing technical knowledge of semiconductor equipment and cleanroom operations 
• Basic understanding of electrical, mechanical, vacuum, pneumatic, or automation systems 
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to learn maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques 
• Builds proficiency in Applied Materials equipment through structured training and mentorship 

Business Expertise

• Understands how individual responsibilities contribute to team and customer success 
• Demonstrates a customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality 
• Learns to work effectively within customer-facing environments and cross-functional teams 

Problem Solving

• Applies structured troubleshooting techniques with guidance from senior engineers 
• Identifies routine equipment issues and follows established procedures to resolve them 
• Escalates complex situations appropriately and learns through coaching and technical mentorship 

Impact

• Contributes to team performance through reliable execution of assigned tasks 
• Supports equipment uptime, customer satisfaction, and operational objectives 
• Follows established procedures while developing technical independence 

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong learning agility and curiosity 
• Emotional maturity and resilience 
• Respect for procedures and safety requirements 
• Ability to adapt to international assignments and multicultural environments 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills 
• Ability to succeed in fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing environments 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in cleanroom environments 
• Exposure to semiconductor manufacturing or semiconductor equipment 
• Experience with electrical, mechanical, pneumatics, vacuum, automation, robotics, or process systems 
• International mindset and willingness to work within multicultural teams 

Benefits & Rewards

• Discretionary Incentive Bonus 
• Monthly Additional Allowance 
• Employee Stock Programs (where applicable) 
• Company Pension Plan 
• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) 
• Wellness Benefit 
• Comprehensive Benefits Package 
• Extensive Technical and Product Training 
• Career Development and Progression Opportunities 
• International Customer Exposure and Travel Experience 
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of semiconductor innovation 

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

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.