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.
