Field Service Engineer

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$37.00 - $51.20

Location:

Manassas,VA

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 Field Service Engineer [Customer Engineer] at Applied Materials, you serve as the direct liaison with customers, collaborating closely to install, maintain, and upgrade equipment. You'll use digital analytics for troubleshooting and apply basic diagnostic techniques to assess and address technical issues. Your responsibilities include performing preventative and corrective maintenance on various systems such as electrical, vacuum, mechanical, plasma, hydraulic, and gas systems. Additionally, you'll coordinate and communicate directly with customers to ensure smooth operations and exceptional service.

 

 

Summary

The Customer Engineer is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, sustaining, and improving semiconductor manufacturing equipment to maximize tool availability, performance, and customer satisfaction. This role serves as the primary technical resource for corrective maintenance and equipment recovery activities, utilizing advanced mechanical, electrical, and systems troubleshooting skills to resolve complex equipment issues. The Customer Engineer partners closely with Equipment Maintenance Technicians, engineering teams, and customer personnel to drive equipment reliability, support continuous improvement initiatives, and execute tool installations, upgrades, and retrofit projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical resource for corrective maintenance, equipment recoveries, and escalations on manufacturing equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, vacuum, RF, pneumatic, software, and process-related equipment issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform root cause analysis using troubleshooting methodologies, equipment history, diagnostic tools, and data analysis to eliminate recurring failures.
• Lead and coordinate equipment recovery efforts during unscheduled downtime events and critical tool outages.
• Partner with Equipment Maintenance Technicians to improve maintenance strategies, troubleshooting effectiveness, and overall equipment performance.
• Support tool installation, startup, qualification, retrofit, and upgrade activities while ensuring compliance with customer and company standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, technical support, and customer teams to implement equipment improvements and reliability enhancements.
• Maintain accurate service documentation, equipment records, troubleshooting logs, and technical reports.
• Provide clear communication regarding equipment status, recovery plans, and operational risks to management and customer stakeholders.
• Develop and implement corrective actions that improve tool uptime, Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Mentor technicians and less experienced engineers on troubleshooting techniques, best-known methods, and equipment operation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain compliance with all environmental, health, and safety requirements, including LOTO, PPE, hazardous materials handling, and audit readiness.
• Promote and actively contribute to Applied Materials' safety-first culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex equipment failures.
• Working knowledge of AC/DC circuits, RF systems, vacuum systems, pneumatics, electro