Process Technician III

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:

$25.00 - $34.70

Location:

Phoenix,AZ

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 Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and imaging. You'll record process conditions and experimental observations, perform routine maintenance procedures, and evaluate wafers and thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis, identifying patterns of interest in imaging, and operating laboratory process equipment and instrumentation. Your expertise in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and process optimization drives higher levels of productivity, quality, and efficiency in our manufacturing processes.

Role Summary

A Process Technician (PT) is a critical lab and manufacturing support role that works closely with Process Engineers to execute experiments, run process tools, and ensure high‑quality, repeatable results. Process Technicians enable engineers to focus on process development by owning tool operation, wafer handling, experiment execution, and first‑level troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Experiment Execution

• Execute process experiments defined by Process Engineers using lab systems such as Process Tech Requests (PTR) or Lab MES.
• Follow defined travelers, recipes, and step‑by‑step experiment instructions to run wafers through tools and metrology flows.
• Move wafers or FOUPs between locations and tools as required for experiments.

Tool Operation & Lab Support

• Operate semiconductor lab tools (e.g., etch, deposition, metrology, FIB, SEM depending on assignment).
• Perform sample preparation techniques prior to tool loading when required.
• Monitor tool status, process progress, and experiment completion.

Quality, Documentation & Communication

• Ensure experiments are executed accurately, safely, and according to documented requirements.
• Update request status (New, In Progress, Delayed, On Hold, Completed) and provide justifications when needed.
• Communicate clearly with Process Engineers regarding issues, delays, or required clarifications.

Troubleshooting & Continuous Support

• Identify basic tool or process issues and escalate appropriately.
• Work with vendors or engineering teams to support troubleshooting and equipment recovery.
• Support improved turnaround time and lab efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Collaboration & Lab Operations

• Partner closely with Process Engineers to enable successful product and process development.
• Coordinate with metrology operators and other lab personnel to complete experiment flows.
• Contribute to a collaborative lab environment with strong internal customer focus.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent hands‑on experience in semiconductor manufacturing, lab operations, or engineering support.
• Comfort working with lab tools, wafers, FOUPs, and structured procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow documented instructions precisely.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for engineer and team interaction.
• Ability to work in cleanroom or lab environments and follow safety protocols.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience as a Process Technician, Manufacturing Technician, or Lab Technician.
• Familiarity with MES, PTR systems, or lab workflow tools.
• Experience supporting etch, deposition, or metrology tools.
• Willingness to support shift‑based or flexible schedules depending on lab needs.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

No

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.

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.