Senior Field Applications Engineer

Company Description

INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions that enhance productivity and quality of tools, processes, and complete factories. These analysis, measurement and control products are essential for gas leak detection in air conditioning/refrigeration and automotive manufacturing. They are vital to equipment manufacturers and end-users in the complex fabrication of semiconductors and thin film coatings for optics, flat panel displays, solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes include the life sciences, research, aerospace, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum technology to provide unique, toxic chemical analysis products for emergency response, security, and environmental health and safety.

Job Description

The Field Applications Engineer (FAE) is the core technical role of INFICON's Applications Engineering team, owning the complete post-sales technical lifecycle for assigned accounts. This role is responsible for product installation, fleet health, advanced troubleshooting, SOP authorship, and customer technical training. The FAE is the primary technical interface for process and equipment engineers at customer sites, providing the reliable technical foundation that enables INFICON's customers to run their processes at full capability.

Qualifications

Core Responsibilities 

• Own and execute post-sales product installations (NoaK and repeat), including fleet calibration and copy-exact matching across customer sites. 
• Perform advanced troubleshooting using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, root cause analysis); resolve issues within scope or escalate with full documentation. 
• Configure and maintain FabGuard controllers and SmartFDC systems; support subfab tie-in and IT/network integration at customer facilities. 
• Author and maintain SOPs, BKMs, and technical training materials for assigned products and accounts. 
• Deliver on-site and remote technical training sessions to customer process, equipment, and operations teams. 
• Conduct data collection, analysis, and reporting to support customer process health reviews and performance discussions. 
• Manage customer ticket queues for assigned accounts; drive timely resolution and clear communication with customers. 
• Document all activities in CRM and ticketing systems to ensure accurate and current account records. 
• Support demo and FoaK activities as directed by Senior FAE or Lead Engineer. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with IMS Applications, FabGuard Applications, and Service teams to resolve complex technical issues. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. 
• 2–4 years of experience in field applications, systems integration, or technical support in the semiconductor or instrumentation industry. 
• Hands-on experience with hardware installation and configuration in a fab or industrial environment. 
• Working familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, Python, or equivalent). 
• Ability to obtain semiconductor fab site access and comply with customer facility protocols. 
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with INFICON products (RGAs, leak detectors, vacuum gauges, FabGuard, SmartFDC). 
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes (etch, deposition, EUV, PVD, CVD). 
• OPC/Modbus/SECS protocol knowledge. 
• FG (FabGuard) recipe setup or similar process monitoring software experience. 

Key Competencies 

• Deep product and systems knowledge (hardware and software) 
• Structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis 
• Technical documentation discipline 
• Customer communication and service orientation 
• Project coordination and multitasking under pressure 

Physical & Travel Requirements 

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to work in cleanroom environments. Frequent domestic travel required. 

Additional Information

Annual Compensation Range: $85,000-$120,000

Your total compensation is structured for performance and growth, with clear earning potential beyond a base salary built on a base + sales incentive + profit sharing model where both the Sales Incentive Plan and Profit Sharing are each calculated as 10% of your total compensation, giving you greater upside as you succeed. Additional benefits include an 8%