Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning
- Job ID
- R2612221
- Date posted
- 02/19/2026
- Location
- Santa Clara, CA
- Category
- Engineering
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:
$189,000.00 - $260,000.00Location:
Santa Clara,CAYou’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.
Key Responsibilities
- Directs process technology for research, development and implementation of post-chemical mechanical planarization cleaning products within the CMP Product Business Group.
- Manages unusually complex, practical application of scientific theory and processes in the development and ongoing technical management of pos-CMP cleaning products.
- Offers innovative and differentiated solutions to address customers’ unusually complex process issues to address High Value Problems (HVP).
- Benchmarks CMP PBGs post CMP cleaning products against CMP competitor’s products as well as against all semiconductor wafers cleaning products.
- Develops long-term strategy technology and maintains product roadmaps to address customer’s HVP’s with respect to defectivity and yield.
- Defines performance metrics and reports progress against specific goals
- Provides leadership in post-CMP cleaning process development
Functional Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art semiconductor wafer clean industry product offerings
- Fundamental understanding of theories and best practices with respect to particle adhesion and attachment, particle removal and corrosion of advanced metals.
- >10 years’ experience in state-of-the-art wafer cleaning process at a top-tier semiconductor equipment manufacturer or leading-edge semiconductor fabrication company.
Business Expertise
- Applies broad industry and commercial awareness to drive financial and operational performance across business unit, department or sub-functions
Leadership
- Leads through direct management of subordinates and influence of collaborators
- Executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to the development of segment/functional strategy
Problem Solving
- Directs the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment
Impact
- Guided by segment/functional strategy, impacts results of a department, business unit or sub-function or facilitates the work done by other segments/functions by providing support to impact the business
Interpersonal Skills
- Negotiates and influences the opinions of others at the senior executive level and in external organizations. Exercises sensitivity to the audience.
- Operates in a high-performance, collaborative and dynamic organization to balance development milestones, customer roadmaps and crisis management.
Position requires always understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these Standards. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.
Proven expert in semiconductor wet cleaning technology
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
Assignee / RegularTravel:
Yes, 10% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:
YesThe 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.