Automation Engineer

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, integrate, and optimize automation and control systems for semiconductor and advanced‑packaging equipment. The role involves working on EFEM, robotics, and factory‑automation solutions that feed directly into digital lithography, wafer inspection, and defect‑inspection platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for front‑end, ICAPS, and advanced packaging processes.
• Integrate solutions into IPC digital lithography, optical patterned wafer inspection, and contamination & defect inspection systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across automation, control, and data‑connectivity systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify automation opportunities from front‑end to advanced packaging.
• Maintain documentation for automation, control, and data‑connectivity processes and ensure compliance with SEMI standards and Industry 4.0 best practices.
• Ensure equipment uptime, reliability, and deliver sustainable automation solutions supporting long‑term operational goals.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in automation, control, or semiconductor equipment engineering.
• EFEM application expertise across substrate handling, loadport, OHT, AGV, and conveyor integration.
• Hands‑on experience with industrial robotics (Kawasaki, Yaskawa, etc.) and system‑integration for automated substrate handling.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills to maintain equipment reliability.

Required skills

• PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA development on EFEM and substrate transfer platforms.
• Electrical automation design – control systems, sensors, actuators, and power systems.
• Familiarity with SEMI standards (SECS/GEM, E84, E87) and related compliance requirements.
• Mechanical engineering design skills (GD&T, mechanism design, material selection).
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor, or NX.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies – IoT, AI/ML, cyber‑physical systems.