Polymer Chemist / Plating Expert

About the role

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions that enable the production of virtually every new chip and advanced display. The company designs, builds and services cutting‑edge equipment for semiconductor and display manufacturing, and is seeking a Polymer Chemist/Plating Expert to drive material innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimize electroplating processes and electrochemical systems to improve coating quality, performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Design, formulate, and characterize polymer‑based materials, coatings, and surface treatments for advanced technology applications.
• Lead process development, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to drive innovation and reliability.
• Design, collect data, analyze and compile reports on chemistry related to semiconductor integration with a focus on chemistry development.
• Identify new classes of chemical processes on test‑vehicle equipment and lead the design of such equipment.
• Develop internal chemistry capabilities and mentor junior chemists.
• Develop a deep understanding of structure‑function relationships for product chemical applications and support customers.
• Successfully transfer chemical processes to product groups.

Required profile

• Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in polymer chemistry or electroplating disciplines.
• Interprets internal and external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
• May lead functional teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and complexity.
• Leads others to solve complex problems using sophisticated analytical thought.
• Impacts achievement of customer, operational, project, or service objectives guided by functional policies.
• Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt alternative viewpoints.

Required skills

• Electroplating
• Electrochemical systems
• Polymer chemistry
• Coating formulation
• Process development
• Root‑cause analysis

What we offer

• Salary range: $161,000 – $221,000 per year
• Location: Santa Clara, CA (onsite)