DescriptionNova is looking for a Senior Application Scientist who is a highly technical, motivated individual to support our growth in the semiconductor. The Application Scientist is someone who will engage with Nova customers to develop high-value, innovative optical metrology applications in semiconductor manufacturing; apply robust statistical techniques to optimize applications for the high-volume manufacturing (HVM) fab environment: and provide region support for new product introduction and evaluation activities (beta, head-to-head).
Role ResponsibilitiesWhat will you do as an Application Scientist?
- Develop SIMS/XPS/XRF metrology applications for Nova's products in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing fabs
- Use knowledge and experience in Materials Science, Semiconductor Fabrication and metrology to develop new applications using SIMS/XPS/XRF
- Gauge R&R testing to quantify system performance and dependencies using sound statistics
- Support company's activities on-site and at other key accounts as necessary - projects include beta evaluations, new product introduction, head-to-head evaluations, customer production ramp, etc.
- Provide on-site application support to Nova's strategic customer
- Prepare reports to assist in technical and marketing solutions.
- Solve application problems received from customer End Users, Applications Manager and Nova Service team in a timely manner
- Develop a strong working relationship with Nova customers and Nova employees
- Test new features in Nova's products and make proposals for software/hardware changes to support new capabilities
- Train & update customers, peers in the applications group and other Nova employees
- Assist End Users and Nova service engineers in troubleshooting Nova products in the field
- Maintain a high level of knowledge of the semiconductor process and industry trends
- Remain involved and up-to-date with new application solutions and products
- Perform demos and make presentations to Nova customers as required
- Support development of new application features and assist in their market penetration
- Support various pre and post sales activities and assist in marketing activities
What will make you succeed in the role?
- A strong background in metrology technologies, especially SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry), XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) highly desired
- Identify and lead penetration efforts with new products to increase the Nova market share.
- Extensive hands-on fab experience and strong background in semiconductor manufacturing processes (lithography, CMP, deposition, wet and dry etch).
- Demonstrate skills in systematic problem solving and technical communication.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across customers, HQ, and engineering teams while maintaining structured execution and timely follow-through.
- Strong ownership mindset with emphasis on transparency, accountability, and operational continuity.
Requirements- Ph.D. or Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science or relevant field
- Strong knowledge of spectroscopy, SIMS/XPS/XRF metrology systems
- 3-5 years of experience in the semiconductor manufacturing environment is a plus but not required
- Be a customer centric applications and product expert.
- Be familiar with customer operating methods, procedures, and policy
- Adhere to customers' site policies and guidelines with regard to performance and behavior
- Maintain customers' information with the utmost confidentiality
- Self-starter with high energy and strong work ethic
- Highly collaborative and able to manage conflict
- Exceptional presentation, verbal skills to clearly articulate technical/analytical information
- Be polite, cordial, considerate, and respectful when communicating with customers, vendors and fellow employees
- Perform with the highest degree of integrity and dignity
- Be able to travel domestically up to 25%
- Self-starter with high energy and strong work ethic
- Highly collaborative and able to manage conflict.
- Candidate must have demonstrated independence and drive towards completing objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to manage customer-facing technical deliverables with strong organization, proactive communication, clear status tracking, and consistent follow-through across cross-functional teams.
