Engineering Technician IV (T3/T4)
Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 25 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior manufacturing role at Applied Materials (industrial) in Santa Clara, CA.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Root cause
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $114k–$168k.
Median of the low and high ends of 118 live postings that list pay, out of 323 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 322 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 5+)
Typical $111k–$159k, from 106 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 53%
- New product launch 51%
- ✓ Root cause 40%
- Automation 35%
- Machining 29%
- CATIA / NX 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Applied Materials
We found 7 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Nicholas → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Applied Materials in Santa Clara
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- Process Engineer ||| - Plasma · Process
Full description from Applied MaterialsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
The Photonics/Optics Technician supports the development, characterization, and manufacturing of advanced optical and photonic devices, modules, and systems. This role involves hands-on work with optical components, lasers, fiber-optic assemblies, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), metrology equipment, and laboratory instrumentation. The technician will work closely with scientists and engineers to build, test, troubleshoot, and optimize optical systems used in telecommunications, datacenter interconnects, sensing, imaging, and next-generation photonics technologies.
Required Qualifications
- ✓Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent experience in: PhotonicsOpticsPhysicsElectrical Engineering TechnologyLaser TechnologyApplied Science
- ✓2+ years of hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, or testing experience in optics, photonics, semiconductors, or related fields.
- ✓Experience with optical alignment and fiber handling.
- ✓Familiarity with common optical laboratory equipment and measurement techniques.
- ✓Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and technical procedures.
- ✓Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
Additional Information
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
What We Offer
Salary
$33.00 - $45.70
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 .
Optical Assembly and Integration
- •Assemble and integrate optical and opto-mechanical systems according to engineering drawings and procedures.
- •Perform precision fiber alignment, optical coupling, and packaging of photonic devices and modules.
- •Install, configure, and maintain lasers, detectors, cameras, spectrometers, optical fibers, and associated hardware.
- •Support wafer-level, die-level, and package-level optical device evaluation.
- •Execute optical and electro-optical characterization experiments following established test plans.
- •Measure device performance including: Optical insertion lossFiber-to-chip coupling efficiencyOptical powerSpectral responsePolarization characteristicsHigh-speed optical link performance
- •Collect, organize, and document experimental data.
- •Generate test reports and communicate results to engineering teams.
- •Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including: Optical spectrum analyzersPower metersOscilloscopesProbe stationsLight sourcesImaging systemsEnvironmental test systems
- •Perform routine calibrations and preventive maintenance.
- •Ensure laboratory safety procedures and documentation are maintained.
Troubleshooting and Process Support
- •Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and electrical issues in test setups and prototype systems.
- •Identify root causes of performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
- •Support process development activities and engineering experiments.
- •Assist with prototype builds and technology demonstrations.
Documentation and Continuous Improvement
- •Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, test results, and equipment status.
- •Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- •Contribute to laboratory organization, efficiency improvements, and best practices.
- •Support inventory management and procurement of laboratory materials and components.
Time Type
Full time
Employee Type
Assignee / Regular
Travel
No
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.
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.