DDP New Product Introduction Instructor

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

Location:

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. 

Overall Responsibilities:

This posting is for an DDP New Product Introduction (NPI) instructor based in Austin, TX or Santa Clara, CA. This position is a combination technical instructor and technical expert role on existing and new products. The position requires work to be conducted within the business unit (BU) manufacturing and the development lab to learn the new products under development, gain experience on the startup and sustaining production tasks on the tool, and develop/deliver initial classroom and hands-on training on the tool. Once the tool transitions to volume production, the NPI instructor will train and certify the volume instructor, who then takes over the product from a training ownership standpoint.

The position will require learning, and application of that learning, on three fronts – (1) training fundamentals; (2) existing products; and (3) new product training development.  Training fundamentals will cover the training methodology, tools, materials and confidence to deliver both live distance learning (LDL) and instructor-led hands-on (ILT) course delivery. Existing products start with basic operations and maintenance, followed by trouble shooting and diagnostics, and eventually mastery of the tool. Product training development will require content development and project management skills to help bring a new tool design from concept to reality, through the development of comprehensive training curriculum, student guides, and supporting materials and technologies.

Due to the scheduling of PDP/NPI product development, the NPI instructor will often be researching, gaining knowledge/experience, and developing/delivering for several new tools/chambers at a time, so project management, training/presentation experience, and technical acumen (mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, etc.) of semiconductor equipment is required.

Basic breakdown of time is:

~45% learning the new tool and gaining knowledge and experience (mechanical, electrical, software, process, etc.) and developing the course materials, structure and updating of existing courses

~35% delivering training or coordinating structured factory OJT

~20% other activities

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver specialized New Product Introduction (NPI) technical training both in-house and at customer locations, requiring domestic and international travel. Manage classroom and lab activities to ensure course objectives are met and adhere to safety procedures. Training may occur during off-shift hours and weekends as assigned.
• Learn and maintain comprehensive technical knowledge of new and improved products to prepare and present defined courses. Disseminate new information to staff, complete certifications on multiple platforms and processes, including safety modules, and actively certify others. Establish new certification requirements.
• Follow and engage in Product Development Process (PDP) for all NPI products at Phase Gate 3 or earlier to ensure completion of NPI course to support the tool immediately prior to shipment of second tool to field.
• Utilize Technical Publications and System Product Business Groups to maximize documentation efficiencies. Create and augment documentation to address gaps in released materials, evaluate instructor performance, train others in standard course development processes (Instructional System Design), and oversee course design approval.
• Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting skills to assist with system repairs; ensures system functionality can support course objectives; ensures all safety retrofits are installed on the training systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Global Technical Training organization and operations, as well as the Applied Global Services (AGS) organization. Inform customers of additional Global Technical Training (GTT) courses and products, assist marketing in building customer relationships and selling GTT products, analyze customer issues and needs to identify future training opportunities, and present comprehensive training solutions.
• Provide coaching and leadership to other instructors, serving as a mentor to less senior instructors for class delivery, technical development, and certification. Anticipate, prevent, and resolve customer satisfaction issues.
• Manage multiple projects of diverse scope and complexity, directing project team members.
• Support Early Learning System (ELS) / Alpha Site engineering in-house or on engineering tools, review ECOs, and communicate with the field.
• Assist Global Product Support (GPS) in the generation of documentation.
• Develop new procedures and Best Known Methods.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing on the first chamber build and participate in new product final testing.
• Develop technical materials working directly with Instructional Designers (ID).
• Observe technical activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
• Interview personnel to become familiar with products & methods
• Study technical documents to integrate technology, operating procedures, production sequences, and details.
• Review published materials and recommend revisions.
• Communicate with Business Units to obtain current product information for course updates and represent GTT at product NPI meetings.

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines

Business Expertise

• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Problem Solving

• Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Impact

• Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies

Interpersonal Skills

• Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor degree in engineering, education, or training, or equivalent military experience, PLUS 4 years of professional semiconductor equipment experience in installation, programming, safety, maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, and repair of semiconductor machinery equipment (such as robots, programmable controllers, power supplies, pneumatics, vacuum systems, power distributions, facilities, high voltage systems, high current systems, and robot controllers), following manuals, specifications, blueprints, and schematics, and using hand tools, measuring instruments, and testing equipment
• If you have no bachelor’s degree, 6 years of professional semiconductor equipment experience
• 2 years of formal or informal experience in education, performance-based training, or training/presentation delivery to external customers is desirable.
• Preferred - Nationally recognized certification in “Instructional Design” or 2 years of formal or informal experience in curriculum development and/or instructional design. Attaining Friesen, Kaye and Associates (FKA) instructional designing certification is a plus

• Preferred – Experience with Applied Materials Semiconductor Equipment Highly desired - experience with Applied DDP equipment a plus.

Skills Required:

• Excellent communication, presentation, problem solving, teamwork and interpersonal communication skills; Resourceful, able to work and learn independently where necessary; Highly self-motivated and dedicated professional
• Presentation skills, written communication, training delivery, project/information management, self-development, presenting technical information, self-confidence, dealing with complexity, Microsoft Office skills
• Equipment usage: office equipment, power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, volt meters, soldering irons, hand tools, power tools, and personal computers
• Semiconductor equi