Process Engineer IV – AI / Machine Learning

Process Engineer

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.

As a Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.

This position focuses on advancing process engineering through the application of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). The role spans the full development lifecycle—from pilot-scale experiments to high-volume manufacturing—and emphasizes data-driven process formulation, equipment specification, and manufacturing optimization. Key objectives include automating data analysis workflows, accelerating insight generation from complex datasets, and driving AI adoption across process engineering functions.

The role also partners closely with engineering, scientific, and supplier teams to reduce recurring design and quality issues through systematic data analysis and AI-enabled decision-making. The candidate is expected to independently define, conceptualize, and execute advanced projects in process development, equipment automation, and AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.

Role Responsibilities:

• Design and deploy machine learning models to automate repetitive data sorting, trend detection, and limit setting for process and material specifications.
• Improve engineering efficiency and product robustness by identifying root causes of recurring design and supplier quality issues through data-driven analysis.
• Drive AI adoption across process engineering by developing and applying scalable data analysis models and methodologies.
• Define display equipment requirements and review manufacturing process techniques to support new product introduction and production ramp.
• Design and analyze data collection plans for moderately complex process experiments; compile technical reports and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Perform hardware and process characterization, including thin-film property measurement and system-level evaluation.
• Apply ML/AI methodologies beyond core R&D, extending to equipment automation and other advanced manufacturing applications.
• Act as a technical resource and mentor for less experienced engineers while operating with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics with 7+ years of industry experience, or Master's degree in the same fields with 10+ years of industry experience.

Preferred Background:

• Strong foundation in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, data science, or engineering data science.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor or display manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of semiconductor or display fabrication equipment and fab process requirements.
• Demonstrated experience applying ML/AI techniques to improve engineering processes, products, or services.
• Coding experience for data processing and model development is preferred.

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.

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.