Applications Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY: The Applications Engineer understands and meets the technical applications needs of Advanced Energy’s customers. The position is “hands-on”, requiring measurement, data acquisition and data analysis. Conclusions are expected to be drawn and presented to internal and customer audiences.

AE semiconductor product applications are in radio frequency (RF) power delivery systems applied to semiconductor manufacturing plasma processing. AE RF products and technologies include Remote Plasma Sources, RF generators, RF matching networks, and integrated RF power delivery systems (combinations of multiple generators and matching networks).

This role works closely with product development engineering, sales and marketing and product management to advance AE’s market position. The Applications Engineer also plays an integral part in product development and guiding AE’s technical roadmap through contribution of industry knowledge as a communication line to customers and end user manufacturers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enable customers’ successful implementation of remote plasma source and RF delivery systems as applied to semiconductor manufacturing and flat panel displays. Guide AE product development through technical leadership from AE’s customers’ perspective.
• Understand AE’s products and technology and enable successful deployment to AE’s customers.
• Understand industry trends and technical requirements to help guide customers to the appropriate AE solution.
• Serve as consultant to customers to solve clearly defined problems related to products, technologies, and system integration.
• Serve as consultant to peer groups within AE (Sales and Marketing, Product Management, and Engineering) in support of new product development and new business opportunities.
• Understanding advanced or difficult customer requirements to secure new design wins.
• Recommends course of action with customers and peer groups at AE.
• Work with diverse cultures, often in adverse commercial circumstances. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships. A true team player.
• Basic knowledge of essential legal and regulatory requirements in technology development (non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property protection, etc.)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Approximately 40% in laboratory, 5% clean room environments internal to AE and at customer sties. Remainder in an office environment. Work with electrical instruamentation. Occasional movement of heavy (>25 kg) objects. Connecting, operating high power and high voltage electrcial equipment. Trouble shoot issues at customer sites and internally. Local and international travel of approximately 10-15%. Work safely with high energy electrical components.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer, Electrical or Semi Engineering or Physics
• Hands-on technical experience in a semiconductor manufacturing environment using RF or DC plasma.
• Basic knowledge of electrical instrumentation including oscilloscopes, DVM, LCR meters, etc.
• Computer driven diagnostic equipment control, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python or equivalent
• Knowledge of plasma power delivery products and technology
• Data analysis including SPC (statistical process control), trends, design of experiments
• Vacuum equipment experience – pumps, valves, pressure gauges, etc.