Application Development Engineer

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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. 

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Application Development Engineer – Wafer Results Analytics (WRA)

Location: AMC

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly driven Application Development Engineer to join the Wafer Results Analytics (WRA) group within PDC SBU division. This role is ideal for someone passionate about semiconductor manufacturing, data analytics, and working directly with leading chipmakers worldwide.

As an Application Development Engineer you will takes ownership of end-to-end process: identifying unmet customer needs, initiating new WRA development projects, collaborating across product lines, and driving adoption of next‑generation analytics solutions—including AI‑powered capabilities.

This is a hybrid technical–strategic role with high organizational visibility and direct impact on future WRA products.

Key Responsibilities

1. Customer Engagement & VoC Leadership

• Work closely with customers at fabs worldwide to understand their High‑Value Problems (HVPs) in matching, stability, metrology and defectivity data flows.
• Lead structured Voice of Customer (VoC) activities: deep dives, use‑case extraction, pain‑point mapping, and validation of solution concepts.
• Become the customer’s trusted partner by translating fab‑floor challenges into actionable product requirements.

2. Solution Initiation & Project Ownership

• Go beyond collecting VoC—take the initiative to propose new WRA features, workflows, and solution roadmaps based on customer and market insights.
• Lead early‑phase concept definition, proof‑of‑concept scoping, and pilot deployments directly with accounts.
• Act as the “first architect” who turns customer problems into new product opportunities.

3. Cross‑Functional Collaboration (360° Role)

Work seamlessly with internal stakeholders across the organization:

• SBU Product Line Managers – Support product positioning, business strategy, and roadmap prioritization.
• Local Field and Account Teams – Enable adoption of new WRA capabilities and ensure successful customer deployment.
• Software Development Teams – Translate user stories into technical requirements, support design reviews, testing, and releases.
• PDC Product Line – Align on tool roadmap to identify opportunities and future challenges.

4. AI Integration & Innovation

One of the major opportunities for this role is shaping the future of wafer analytics by driving the integration of AI and machine learning into WRA solutions.
Tasks include:

• Identifying areas where AI can automate or enhance wafer result interpretation.
• Working with development teams to validate models with real fab data.
• Working with customers through the transition to AI‑augmented analytics.

5. Global Implementation & Technical Leadership

• Support experiments, beta releases, and change management activities at customer sites.
• Ensure technical success of WRA tool adoption by partnering with Process support engineers.
• Provide internal training, documentation, and cross‑regional knowledge sharing.

Required Background & Skills

Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or similar).
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing, process engineering, or yield enhancement.
• Understanding of wafer‑level metrology, inspection, inline data analytics.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools, pattern recognition concepts, or machine learning fundamentals (preferred).
• Ability to translate technical requirements into product specifications.

Professional Skills

• Strong customer‑facing presence and communication skills.
• Proactive problem‑solver with the ability to drive initiatives independently.
• Experience working with cross‑functional engineering and product teams.
• Comfortable working in a globally distributed environment.
• Ability to travel internationally.

What’s in It for the Candidate

• High visibility and strategic influence: This role sits at the intersection of customers, product management, and R&D.
• Shape next‑generation WRA products: You will directly influence how future wafer analytics tools—including AI capabilities—are defined and built.
• Work with leading chipmakers worldwide: Gain unique exposure to cutting‑edge semiconductor technologies and best practices across multiple regions and cultures.
• Career growth opportunities: This hybrid application–product development path is ideal for future roles in product management, R&D leadership, technical strategy, or customer‑driven innovation.
• Make real impact: Your insights will drive new solutions that improve fab performance and enable next‑generation semiconductor manufacturing.

Travel Required: ~20–40% (global customer engagements)

Additional Information

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Relocation Eligible:

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.