Weld Engineer II – Semiconductor Manufacturing

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking a Weld Engineer II to own weld process development, qualification, and continuous improvement for precision mechanical, vacuum, and gas/chemical delivery assemblies used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The role partners with design engineering, quality, and manufacturing to develop robust welding procedures and resolve weld‑related issues in a high‑purity, ultra‑clean environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, and document Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) for orbital and manual GTAW on stainless steel and specialty alloys.
• Define and validate weld parameters for new product introductions and design changes in collaboration with mechanical and product design engineers.
• Lead welder and welding‑operator qualification programs and certify welders and equipment against internal and industry standards.
• Investigate weld‑related nonconformances, perform root‑cause analysis (fishbone, 5‑why, DOE) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Specify and review nondestructive and destructive testing methods (dye penetrant, radiographic, helium leak, metallurgical cross‑section) to verify weld integrity.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality issues and improve process capability (Cpk).
• Support qualification of new welding equipment, heads, power supplies, purge systems, and fixturing.
• Maintain engineering specifications, work instructions, and training materials related to welding processes and cleanliness requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 2‑4 years of experience in welding/joining engineering, preferably in semiconductor, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience developing and qualifying WPS/PQR documentation and leading welder qualification programs.
• Hands‑on experience with orbital and manual GTAW of stainless steel and exotic alloys such as Hastelloy and Inconel.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1/D1.6, and SEMI high‑purity standards.

Required skills

• Orbital GTAW and manual GTAW welding techniques.
• Creation and qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).
• Nondestructive testing methods: dye penetrant, radiographic, helium leak testing, metallurgical cross‑section analysis.
• Root‑cause analysis tools: 8D, FMEA, DOE, fishbone, 5‑why.
• Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cpk).
• CAD/PLM software: SolidWorks, Creo, Windchill.
• Knowledge of ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1/D1.6, SEMI standards.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred; Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) a plus.

What we offer

• Salary range $78,500 – $108,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) match, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, and eligibility for bonus and stock awards.