Customer Engineer (m/f/d)

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:

€52.000,00 - €71.500,00

Location:

Dresden,DEU

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.

As a member of the Field Service Operations (FSO) Customer Engineer team, you will play a key role in supporting the successful startup and ongoing operation of a major Applied Materials customers' greenfield semiconductor fab in Dresden.

In this position, you will provide expert technical support and troubleshooting, leveraging deep expertise in one or more Applied Materials platforms to ensure high equipment performance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Travel: up to 20% (higher during the first 12 months)

As part of our comprehensive development program, you will complete an initial six-month onboarding and training phase, followed by a unique 12-month international training assignment in Taiwan. This immersive experience will provide extensive technical learning, practical field exposure, and the opportunity to collaborate with global experts.

What You'll Do

• Able to perform routine preventative maintenance within established timeframes. Completes quality repairs.

• Respond to fab issues by communicating with other engineers and participating in escalation conference calls. May participate in projects to reduce costs and increase uptime.

• Perform all standard installation activities through Hardware start-up (T1) unassisted. Performs standard basic process start-ups (T2) with assistance.

• Verify operational quality of system equipment. Assist senior engineers as needed.

• Apply diagnostic techniques and use of documentation and test equipment with assistance from senior engineers. Ability to diagnose and resolve technical problems. Uses training and experience to identify process, software or hardware related system problems.

• Strive to perform BKM’s. Uses knowledge management systems. Follow all IP guidelines.

• Assume responsibility for complete customer satisfaction within the work area. Assists in planning, communicating, and coordinating support plans with customer management.

• Comply with all safety procedures and consistently demonstrates safety as a value.

What You'll Learn

Applied Materials provides comprehensive training to help you strengthen your existing expertise in:

• Semiconductor manufacturing technologies

• Advanced vacuum and plasma systems

• Equipment diagnostics and troubleshooting

• Customer-facing technical support

• Cleanroom operations and best practices

• Installation and optimization of highly sophisticated manufacturing equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree / bachelor's degree / master's degree in electrical engineering / mechanical engineering / Mechatronics, Military technical training, Trade certification, or equivalent technical experience

• 2-4 years of experience in field service, maintenance, manufacturing support, installation engineering, or a related technical role

• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics

• Experience identifying and resolving technical issues through structured troubleshooting

• Basic mechanical and technical aptitude involving pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, vacuum systems, or thermodynamics

• Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and test equipment, including digital multimeters

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Valid authorization to live and work in Germany (EU/EEA citizenship or a valid work visa/residence permit) and the ability to travel within Europe for customer site visits. While we support visa arrangements for the Taiwan training assignment, you must have the legal right to return and work in Germany after completing the 12-month training program

• Valid driver's license

• Ability to meet all customer site requirements, including safety, environmental, and health-related protocols

Functional Knowledge

• Has established skills to maintain semiconductor equipment in a cleanroom environment

• Practical knowledge of preventive and unscheduled service & maintenance on semiconductor equipment in one of the following applications:

PVD, CVD, ETCH, Implant, Epitaxy, RTP, Metrology, CMP or ETCH

Business Expertise

• Understands how the assigned duties relate to others in the team and how the team integrates with others in the discipline

• Assumes responsibility for full customer satisfaction assuring excellent relations within assigned area

Problem Solving

• Recognizes and solves typical problems that can occur in own work area without supervisory approval; evaluates and selects solutions from established options

Impact

• Impacts own team through the quality of the services or information provided; follows standardized procedures and practices and receives regular but moderate supervision and guidance

Interpersonal Skills

• Emotional maturity

• Resilience

• Respect for procedure and hierarchy

• Ability to change workstyle based on location

• Capable of handling cultural differences, hierarchical structures, and fast-paced semiconductor production environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with semiconductor equipment or in cleanroom environments

• Ideally, 3+ years of experience on one of the Applied Materials Semiconductor Front End equipment

• Experience supporting customers in a technical field service capacity

• Knowledge of vacuum systems, automation, robotics, process equipment, or precision manufacturing technologies

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Walk and stand for extended periods

• Work in tight spaces and at heights

• Climb stairs and ladders

• Bend, squat, kneel, reach, and twist regularly

• Lift and carry materials up to 35 lbs. (approximately 16 kg)

• Distinguish between colors and work safely with electrical systems

• Work in environments with elevated noise levels

• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively

As this role is frequently performed within semiconductor manufacturing cleanrooms, employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including overalls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, chemical aprons, and face shields where required.

Benefits & Rewards

• Discretionary Incentive Bonus

• Monthly Additional Allowance

• Employee stock programs (where applicable)

• Company Pension Plan

• TAP: Tuition Assistance Program

• Wellness Benefit

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Extensive technical and product training

• Career development and progression opportunities

• International customer exposure and travel experience

• 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.