Application Engineer

OVERVIEW 

Semiconductor manufacturers need photolithography processes that deliver consistent imaging performance as devices and production requirements become more demanding. As an Application Engineer, you will turn customer process requirements into repeatable operating methods, resolve application challenges, and accelerate the introduction of new tool capabilities. Your work will connect customers with Veeco engineering and manufacturing teams, improving tool performance, application readiness, and successful deployment in production environments. You will build practical expertise across optical systems, semiconductor fabrication, customer demonstrations, process evaluation, and application development while shaping the methods customers use to achieve reliable results. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Own customer application programs from technical discovery through demonstration, process evaluation, and recommendation, with clear documentation of results and next steps. 

• Develop, validate, and promote Best Known Methods that improve photolithography tool performance, process repeatability, and customer outcomes. 

• Diagnose optical, process, and application issues by analyzing data, isolating contributing factors, and recommending practical corrective actions. 

• Translate customer requirements and field observations into actionable input for engineering and manufacturing teams developing or qualifying new features. 

• Plan and execute application tests that establish process windows, confirm feature readiness, and reduce risk during customer deployment. 

• Deliver technical training and application guidance that enable customers and internal teams to operate tools effectively and apply recommended methods. 

• Maintain current knowledge of photolithography, optical systems, semiconductor fabrication, and customer manufacturing requirements to guide application decisions. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or a related technical field. 

• 2 (Two) or more years of experience in applications engineering, semiconductor process engineering, semiconductor capital equipment, or a closely related technical role; an advanced degree may substitute for professional experience. 

• Ability to travel up to 20% within the United States and internationally. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of photolithography imaging, process variables, and the relationship between optical performance and semiconductor manufacturing results. 

• Experience working with photolithography processes, optical systems, or semiconductor fabrication and manufacturing processes. 

• Ability to structure technical investigations, interpret experimental data, identify root causes, and convert findings into repeatable operating methods. 

• Skill in explaining complex process and equipment behavior through clear written reports, presentations, and customer discussions. 

• Ability to translate customer requirements into test plans, technical recommendations, and prioritized input for product teams. 

• Experience building productive customer relationships while setting clear expectations, documenting decisions, and following through on commitments. 

• Ability to coordinate effectively across customer, engineering, manufacturing, service, and training teams without direct authority. 

• Interest in expanding technical depth and customer leadership through progressively more complex application programs and new-feature introductions.