Welding - Supplier Engineer

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

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Position Summary

The Welding Supplier Engineer is responsible for developing, qualifying, and continuously improving welding and fabrication processes across the global supplier base. This role ensures suppliers meet Applied Materials’ quality, reliability, and technical requirements for precision welded assemblies used in semiconductor equipment. The position requires strong welding expertise, supplier management skills, cross-functional collaboration, and a data-driven approach to problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Qualification & Development

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes for supplier-manufactured welded components and assemblies.
• Review and approve supplier welding procedures for compliance with AWS, ASME, and customer-specific requirements.
• Evaluate technical requirements of new and existing parts; recommend qualified sources and technical improvements to enhance product reliability and reduce risk.
• Lead supplier onboarding, capability assessments, and technical audits for welding and fabrication processes.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs such as yield, PPM, FPY, defect trends, and audit scores.
• Maintain accurate documentation of supplier capabilities, deviations, CoCs, NCRs, qualifications, and performance reports.

2. Technical Collaboration

• Work with design, manufacturing, and process engineering to resolve weldability issues, distortion, cracking, and component reliability concerns.
• Partner with SMEs in advanced joining technologies including:
  • Electron Beam Welding (EBW)
  • Fusion Welding Systems (FWS)
  • Vacuum Brazing (VB) / Furnace Brazing (FB)
  • Plastic Welding
• Support advanced material applications such as ceramics, graphite, quartz, and specialty alloys used in semiconductor equipment.
• Investigate alternative joining technologies, materials, and suppliers to improve quality, manufacturability, and cost.
• Align with procurement, quality engineering, and NPI teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and communicated.
• Provide mentoring and training to internal teams on welding fundamentals, fabrication processes, and supplier evaluation methods.

3. Quality Issue Resolution

• Lead incident management, supplier excursions, and high-impact quality problem resolutions.
• Conduct structured Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using 8D, Six Sigma tools, fishbone, 5-Why, and fault tree analysis.
• Validate and track corrective actions to closure ensuring long-term containment and process improvement.
• Interface with suppliers during escalations and drive improvements in welding parameters, fixture design, process controls, and inspection methods.

4. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze supplier quality data using SPC, Pareto analysis, trend charts, and capability studies.
• Use data insights to drive supplier development strategy and risk mitigation activities.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Support implementation and audits of FMEA, Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA, and process capability analyses.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve yield, reduce variation, and enhance repeatability of welded assemblies.
• Develop best-known-methods (BKMs) and standard work for welding processes in the supply base.
• Support NPI by reviewing drawings, specifications, and first-article submissions (FAI/PPAP) for manufacturability and compliance.

Functional Knowledge Requirements

• Strong ability to review, audit, and approve welding procedures (WPS, PQR, WPQ) for code compliance and application suitability.
• Hands-on expertise in welding of aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
• Familiarity with GTAW, GMAW, EBW, LBW, brazing (vacuum, torch, furnace), and automated welding systems.
• Working knowledge of metallurgy, material testing, heat treatment, and weld defect characterization.
• Understanding of fabrication practices for high-purity, semiconductor-grade assemblies (cleanliness requirements, contamination control).
• Willingness to develop in related domains such as:
  • Metal finishing (anodization, plating, ENP)
  • Precision cleaning
  • Chemical/material analysis methods

Problem Solving & Leadership

• Ability to solve complex welding and fabrication issues with broad business impact.
• Use structured methodologies (8D, DMAIC, SPC, DOE) to drive sustainable improvements.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving engineering, quality, procurement, and suppliers.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Influence stakeholders and negotiate solutions with suppliers and internal teams.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed reports, technical reviews, and decision-driving recommendations.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment on supplier-related issues.
• Represent Supplier Engineering in meetings, audits, and technical reviews.

Education & Experience Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in welding processes (GTAW, GMAW, EBW, LBW, brazing).
• Experience with manual, semi-automatic, and automated welding equipment.
• Strong grounding in metallurgy, material testing, and heat treatment processes.

Preferred Certifications:

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
• AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
• AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
• ASNT ACCP Level I/II/III
• AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng)

Additional Qualifications

Must-Have Skills

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerances, and weld symbols.
• Working knowledge of standard manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication).
• Proficiency in MS Excel, reporting, and basic data analysis.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Nice-to-Have:

• Internship or project experience in semiconductor manufacturing or precision welding.
• Exposure to wafer fabrication, packaging, or reliability engineering.

Travel Requirement

• Domestic and international travel: 30-50%, depending on supplier and project needs.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.