Weld Engineer III – Precision Manufacturing

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking a Weld Engineer III to own weld process development, qualification, and continuous improvement for precision mechanical, vacuum, and gas/chemical delivery assemblies used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

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.
• Lead welder and welding‑operator performance qualification (WPQ) programs and certify equipment against internal and industry standards.
• Investigate weld‑related nonconformances, perform root‑cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Specify and review nondestructive and destructive testing methods, including dye penetrant, radiographic, helium leak, and metallurgical cross‑section evaluation.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve weld quality issues and improve process capability (Cpk).
• Support cost‑reduction, cycle‑time reduction, and yield improvement initiatives across fabrication lines.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 4–7 years of experience in welding/joining engineering, preferably in semiconductor, aerospace, or medical device high‑purity manufacturing.
• Experience developing and qualifying WPS/PQR documentation and leading welder qualification programs.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred; Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or progress toward CWEng a plus.

Required skills

• Orbital and manual GTAW welding of stainless steel and exotic alloys (e.g., Hastelloy, Inconel).
• Knowledge of ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1/D1.6, SEMI high‑purity standards.
• Proficiency with NDT methods: dye penetrant, radiographic, helium leak, metallurgical cross‑section analysis.
• Root‑cause analysis tools (fishbone, 5‑why, DOE) and CAPA implementation.
• Statistical process control (SPC) and quality tools (8D, FMEA).
• CAD/PLM tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, Windchill; familiarity with MES/ERP systems.

What we offer

• Salary range: $96,000 – $132,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, 401(k) match, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, bonus and stock award eligibility.