Spectroscopist - Sustainability Systems

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:

$138,000.00 - $190,000.00

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. 

Within Applied Materials’ Sustainability Center of Excellence, we develop measurement‑driven understanding of semiconductor process emissions to enable meaningful reductions in greenhouse gases and other byproducts across the industry.

We are seeking a spectroscopist with strong experimental and data analysis expertise to support gas-phase FTIR and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) measurements of semiconductor manufacturing process emissions. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy owning instruments, collecting imperfect real-world data and turning that data into defensible, quantitative conclusions.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Measurement & Data Collection

• Independently design experiments and perform gas-phase FTIR and QMS measurements of semiconductor process emissions, including GHGs and reactive byproducts.
• Execute experiments in non‑ideal, production‑relevant environments (both onsite and at customer locations) where logistics, interferences, and process variability must be managed.
• Support development and execution of improved approaches for quantitative gas analysis.

Instrument Operation & Support

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot FTIR, QMS, and associated gas handling and sampling hardware.
• Assist with modification or adaptation of measurement setups (e.g., flow paths, materials compatibility, pressure control).
• Diagnose hardware, firmware, and software issues.
• Maintain measurement documentation, configurations, and experimental records.
• Support continuous improvement programs for next gen instrument design.

Data Analysis & Quantification

• Own analysis of experimental data using commercial analysis tools and custom scripts/programs of your own making (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Excel, vendor software).
• Conduct statistical error and uncertainty analysis, including repeatability and sensitivity assessments to establish consistency and confidence.
• Draw conclusions from data analyses that support wafer process development and GHG emissions reduction.

Communication & Technical Reporting

• Prepare clear presentations for engineers and stakeholders without formal training in spectroscopy or chemistry.
• Contribute to technical reports supporting sustainability and emissions reduction initiatives.
• Technical management of collaboration with external partners working to level set measurement capabilities across the industry.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field (Exceptional BS/MS candidates with 4-7 years of industry or academic experience will be considered)
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with FTIR spectrometry and/or QMS, including experimental data collection and analysis
• Solid understanding of spectroscopy fundamentals and practical measurement limitations
• Design of experiments (DOE) in applied or industrial settings
• Experience analyzing experimental data using custom scripting, coding, or advanced commercial tools
• Comfort working directly with laboratory hardware, gas systems, and instrumentation
• Strong quantitative mindset with attention to data quality and understanding of statistical measures of error and uncertainty
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly and concisely
• Willingness to travel internationally up to ~15%
• Semiconductor manufacturing, process development, or exhaust/abatement measurement experience a plus

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% 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.

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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.