Applications Engineer (Field Based)

The Applications Engineer (Field Based) is a pivotal, customer-facing role, that combines deep technical expertise with consultative problem-solving to deliver strategic solutions across complex products and systems. Acting as a trusted partner to our clients, this position requires independent judgment and discretion to troubleshoot challenges, implement preventative maintenance, and ensure operational continuity-minimizing downtime and maximizing customer success. The Applications Engineer (Field Based) primarily works at customer sites, though travel may be required as needed. This role is located in Santa Clara, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides advanced technical consultation and support to customers, serving as a subject matter expert for Mycronic products and systems
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment to analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex system software and hardware failures and product performance issues
• Performs autonomous weekly Preventive Maintenance (PM) on customer systems, ensuring seamless, unsupervised execution to maintain system uptime and operational efficiency
• Develops and implements innovative, custom solutions for diverse customer applications and implements sustainable corrective actions to resolve recurring system issues
• Gains and maintains foundational system knowledge of SLX and other relevant systems to effectively support and troubleshoot equipment
• Influences product development by providing field-based insights, documenting customer feedback, and collaborating with product development and engineering teams
• Serves as the primary technical liaison between customers and internal engineering/development teams, translating complex technical concepts into understandable solutions and influencing future product enhancements
• Oversees system buyoffs, demonstrations, and new product setups, ensuring a high-quality customer experience and successful integration
• Possesses a working knowledge of troubleshooting processes, including understanding the initial steps, gathering important information, and asking pertinent questions to efficiently diagnose issues and minimize customer downtime
• Prepares and delivers compelling presentations to customers, vendors, and senior associates, actively participating in regular customer meetings to foster strong relationships
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with customers and internal stakeholders, escalating support issues to management and higher-level support when necessary to maintain system performance and customer satisfaction
• Develops deep knowledge of Mycronic equipment applications and products through continuous self-study, corporate training programs, and on-the-job experience
• Submits all required documentation accurately and timely, including trip reports, expense reports, and service records
• Adheres rigorously to all safety protocols and utilizes all required safety equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the company's service processes and overall business needs

Experience and Qualifications

• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or at minimum three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in a Field Service or Applications Engineering role preferred
• Strong optics/laser, electrical and computer competency
• Training or certification in computers and MS Windows environments, Linux, Matlab and complex maintenance preferred
• Experience with physics, optics/lasers, electronics, robotics experience preferred
• Experience in semiconductor lithography is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and professional interaction with diverse audiences, including executives, managers, and subject matter experts
• A valid passport is required, as training may be conducted at our corporate headquarters in Sweden
• A valid driver's license is required

Working Conditions / Physical & Mental Demands

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Part standard office environment and part cleanroom in semiconductor mask fab. Significant computer work should be expected.