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Process Technician

Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$51k – $71k

Associate-level Manufacturing / Production roles on Crosslinked list a median of $71k (19 that show pay).

Prepare wafers, operate reactors for thin film processes, and use SEM for analysis and imaging.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on cleanroom role at the global leader in semiconductor materials, with direct exposure to thin film processes and SEM analysis.

Might not be for you. Requires extensive standing, cleanroom gowning, and physical demands like lifting up to 35 lbs; no relocation offered.

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry role

Adjacent materials roleoperating reactors to perform thin film processes, using SEM for analyses, evaluating wafers and thin films

H-1B filings

Applied Materials filed 225 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Process Engineer, Process Support Engineer, Mechanical Engineer. Median filed pay: $148K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Technician
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
Associate
Experience
1–2 yrs
Industry
Semiconductor
Role
Manufacturing / Production
Benefits
equity/stock

Role details

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: $24.50 - $34.10 Location: Santa Clara,CA 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 Process Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and imaging. You'll record process conditions and experimental observations, perform routine maintenance procedures, and evaluate wafers and thin films. Process Technicians are tasked with preparing cross-section samples for analysis, identifying patterns of interest in imaging, and operating laboratory process equipment and instrumentation.

Your expertise in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and process optimization drives higher levels of productivity, quality, and efficiency in our manufacturing processes. Role Responsibilities: Prepare wafers for experimentation to include cleaning and preparation of reactors Evaluate performance of process systems Prepare cross-section samples for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis Operate reactors to perform thin film processes, under supervision.

Operate scanning electron microscope for cross-section and top-view, critical dimension (CD), or energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and imaging Identify most patterns of interest in imaging and understand image quality requirements Record process conditions and experimental observations Understand basic scanning electron microscope (SEM) principles Perform scanning electron microscope (SEM) system software alignment functions Evaluate wafers and thin films Perform routine maintenance procedures including flash and plasma clean Develop skillful use of laboratory process equipment and instrumentation Interface with requestors, understand detail requirements, and communicate on results Order equipment and supplies; coordinate with vendors and purchasing Minimum Qualifications: Technical diploma, military technical training, or trade certification 1-2 years of related experience Physical Requirements: This position often requires extensive walking, standing for extended periods of time, working in tight spaces, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, working at height, lifting up to 35 lbs., the ability to distinguish between colors and working with electricity, the ability to work in an environment with noise that may be difficult for some individuals with sensitivity to noise, and the use of hand and power tools.

Additionally, because this position generally involves working in a clean room, it requires the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, chemical aprons, and face shields. Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: No 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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Process Technician role at Applied Materials?

The listed annual base salary range is $51K–$71K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does Applied Materials sponsor H-1B visas?

Applied Materials has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Process Technician role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Process Technician role at Applied Materials based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Process Technician role at Applied Materials?

This role requires a Associate.

How many years of experience does this Process Technician role require?

The posting calls for 1–2 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Process Technician role work with?

thin films.

What techniques or methods are required for this Process Technician role?

SEM, EDS.