(Experienced) Customer Engineer – Semiconductor Equipment Specialist (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.

As an experienced Customer Engineer within the Semiconductor industry, you will serve as the technical expert for advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, delivering world-class customer support, maximizing tool performance, and driving operational excellence. You will leverage your semiconductor expertise to independently troubleshoot complex issues and support leading-edge manufacturing operations.

You will support the successful startup and high-volume manufacturing operations of one of our biggest customers in Europe, in Dresden.

In this role, you will serve as the primary technical expert for one or more Applied Materials platforms, delivering world-class customer support, maximizing tool performance, and driving operational excellence.

You will leverage your semiconductor equipment expertise to independently troubleshoot complex issues, lead technical escalations, mentor developing engineers, and build strong relationships with customer technical teams.

Travel: Up to 20% (higher during the first 12 months)

What You'll Do

• Independently perform preventive and corrective maintenance on semiconductor manufacturing equipment

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware, software, process, electrical, vacuum, and system issues

• Lead technical escalations and recovery activities

• Support equipment installations, upgrades, and qualification activities

• Drive equipment uptime and performance improvements

• Analyze tool data and utilize digital diagnostic capabilities

• Partner directly with customer engineering, production, and management teams

• Mentor and support developing Customer Engineers

• Drive adoption of BKMs and contribute to knowledge management initiatives

• Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, reliability, and cost reduction

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, Technical Certification, Military Technical Training, or equivalent technical experience

• 3+ years of semiconductor equipment field service, maintenance, or manufacturing support experience

• Demonstrated experience supporting semiconductor manufacturing equipment in production fabs

• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve technical issues

• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical schematics

• Experience utilizing structured troubleshooting methodologies

• Strong customer-facing communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Valid authorization to live and work in Germany

• Valid driver's license

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

Functional Knowledge

• Established expertise maintaining semiconductor equipment in cleanroom manufacturing environments

• Strong knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance practices

• Practical knowledge of one or more of the following application areas: 

• PVD

• CVD

• Etch

• Implant

• CMP

• RTP

• Epitaxy

• Metrology

• Ability to independently diagnose and resolve equipment, process, software, and hardware-related issues

Business Expertise

• Understands how technical support activities impact fab productivity, equipment performance, and customer satisfaction

• Builds trusted relationships with customer engineering and management teams

• Assumes responsibility for customer satisfaction within assigned areas

• Supports operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives

Problem Solving

• Independently recognizes, analyzes, and resolves complex technical issues

• Utilizes structured root cause analysis methodologies

• Evaluates multiple solutions and determines the most effective corrective actions

• Supports technical escalations and long-term reliability improvements

Impact

• Directly influences equipment availability, customer satisfaction, and operational performance

• Operates with limited supervision and exercises sound technical judgment

• Provides guidance to less experienced engineers

• Contributes to team capability development and knowledge sharing

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship management skills

• Emotional maturity and resilience under pressure

• Ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels

• Demonstrated ability to mentor developing engineers

• Adaptability in multicultural and dynamic manufacturing environments

• Ability to manage customer escalations professionally

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years supporting Applied Materials Front-End Semiconductor Equipment

• Experience supporting high-volume semiconductor manufacturing fabs

• Knowledge of vacuum systems, plasma technologies, robotics, automation, and precision manufacturing equipment

• Experience training, coaching, or mentoring other engineers

• Experience supporting major semiconductor customers in a field service environment

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

• Opportunity to work on one of Europe's most significant semiconductor manufacturing projects

• 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.