TEM manager

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$147,000.00 - $202,500.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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. 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage TEM engineers and technicians in utilizing Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques for semiconductor characterization.
• Manage, lead, and execute metrology engineering initiatives by applying advanced TEM characterization expertise, ensuring all project outcomes are delivered in alignment with Applied Problem Solving methodology.
• Lead TEM lab operations, including tracking and analyzing key operational metrics, identifying and implementing new metrics to drive lab performance, and strategizing and executing workflow improvements to enhance lab efficiency, quality, and turnaround time.
• Develop and implement new technology, analytical techniques, and instrumentation to enhance TEM lab capability and performance. Maintain hands‑on engagement on tools to create and validate new methods for complex sample types, support team training, and establish structured training programs to continuously develop technical skills across the team.
• Work closely with FIB Managers to provide clear, actionable feedback on sample preparation quality, redo root cause, and prevention actions. Drive alignment on cross‑lab workflows, documentation standards, and continuous improvement initiatives between FIB and TEM teams.
• Interact with key customers and Business Unit (BU) partners to resolve significantly complex metrology issues across all product lines, including ambiguous results, conflicting interpretations, and high‑impact escalations.
• Manage escalations by proactively addressing urgent business needs, demonstrating flexibility to support priority requests, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams across different shifts and outside regular business hours.
• Communicate effectively across teams and stakeholders by creating and delivering clear, impactful presentations, sharing technical reviews and project updates, and leading discussions to align on goals, execution plans, and technical direction.
• Generate and maintain internal and external documentation for TEM techniques, lab protocols, procedures, and Best Known Methods.
• Ensure TEM lab operations meet all safety and intellectual property standards by conducting regular audits, performing risk assessments, and maintaining compliance documentation.

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates deep technical expertise in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), including contrast mechanisms, imaging modes, and diffraction theory. Strong deep understanding of advanced TEM techniques such as EDS, EELS, GPA, 4D‑STEM, and crystallographic analysis. Proven experience in high‑volume TEM production environments, with working knowledge of FIB sample preparation and semiconductor process integration.

Business Expertise

• Applies understanding of the semiconductor industry and how TEM metrology contributes to product development, yield learning, customer success, and overall business objectives.

Leadership

• Manages a technically focused and generally homogeneous team; adapts plans and priorities to meet operational, production, and service challenges.

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves complex technical, operational, and organizational problems using structured, data‑driven approaches.

Impact

• Directly impacts service quality, data reliability, turnaround time, and the team’s ability to meet quality, volume, and timeliness objectives.
• Guided by policies and resource requirements within the business unit, department, or sub‑function.

Interpersonal Skills

• Guides, influences, and aligns team members and cross‑functional partners, including FIB teams, BU engineers, and leadership stakeholders.

Ethics & Compliance

• Position requires understanding of Applied Materials’ global Standards of Business Conduct and full compliance with these standards at all times, demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct consistent with Applied Materials’ core values.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.