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Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning

Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$189k – $260k

Direct post-CMP wafer cleaning process technology, roadmaps and product benchmarking for semiconductor CMP.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own the roadmap for post-CMP cleaning products used across leading-edge fabs, with direct influence on defectivity and yield.

Might not be for you. Requires 10+ years in wafer cleaning at a top-tier equipment maker or fab — a narrow, senior-only profile.

Manages people Senior hires only

Adjacent materials rolepost-CMP cleaning, particle adhesion and removal, corrosion of advanced metals, semiconductor wet cleaning technology

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
Director+
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
PhD
Experience
10+ yrs
Industry
Semiconductor
Role
Management / Director
Relocation
Offered
Materials
advanced metals
Benefits
equity/stock award program

Role details

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary: $189,000.00 - $260,000.00 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 .

Key Responsibilities

Directs process technology for research, development and implementation of post-chemical mechanical planarization cleaning products within the CMP Product Business Group. Manages unusually complex, practical application of scientific theory and processes in the development and ongoing technical management of post-CMP cleaning products. Offers innovative and differentiated solutions to address customers’ unusually complex process issues to address High Value Problems (HVP). Benchmarks CMP PBGs post CMP cleaning products against CMP competitor’s products as well as against all semiconductor wafers cleaning products.

Develops long-term strategy technology and maintains product roadmaps to address customer’s HVP’s with respect to defectivity and yield.

Defines performance metrics and reports progress against specific goals Provides leadership in post-CMP cleaning process development Functional Knowledge and Experience Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art semiconductor wafer clean industry product offerings Proven expert in semiconductor wet cleaning technology Fundamental understanding of theories and best practices with respect to particle adhesion and attachment, particle removal and corrosion of advanced metals. >10 years’ experience in state-of-the-art wafer cleaning process at a top-tier semiconductor equipment manufacturer or leading-edge semiconductor fabrication company.

Business Expertise Applies broad industry and commercial awareness to drive financial and operational performance across business unit, department or sub-functions Leadership Leads through direct management of subordinates and influence of collaborators Executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to the development of segment/functional strategy Problem Solving Directs the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment Impact Guided by segment/functional strategy, impacts results of a department, business unit or sub-function or facilitates the work done by other segments/functions by providing support to impact the business Interpersonal Skills Negotiates and influences the opinions of others at the senior executive level and in external organizations.

Exercises sensitivity to the audience. Operates in a high-performance, collaborative and dynamic organization to balance development milestones, customer roadmaps and crisis management. Position requires always understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these Standards. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

PhD Preferred Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time Relocation Eligible: Yes 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 Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role at Applied Materials?

The listed annual base salary range is $189K–$260K. 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 Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role at Applied Materials based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role at Applied Materials?

This role requires a PhD.

How many years of experience does this Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role require?

The posting calls for at least 10 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Director of Technology - Wafer Cleaning role work with?

advanced metals.