ETCH Manager III, Customer Engineer

About the role

Applied Materials, a global leader in materials engineering solutions for semiconductor and display manufacturing, is seeking an ETCH Manager III – Customer Engineer for its Kitakami, Japan location. The role leads a district of customer engineers, maintains key client relationships, and ensures successful installation and support of advanced equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with all relevant customers in the district at every level.
• Manage, coach, and direct customer engineers, including salary and career planning.
• Serve as the primary interface with Product Divisions for technical support, training, spares, and reliability.
• Plan and execute system installations, pre‑facility and start‑up meetings, and process support identification.
• Oversee the RMA procedure and monitor engineer effectiveness and hour tracking.
• Prepare account plans with the District Sales Engineer and provide support plans for system sales.
• Responsible for financial forecasting, cost efficiency, and district financial results.
• Monitor the CSD Award Program, mentor program, and execute escalation procedures.

Required profile

• Receives assignments with clear objectives and recommends policy changes to meet goals.
• Provides direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance.
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures to determine appropriate actions.
• Interacts effectively to gain cooperation and present technical information on projects.
• Demonstrates adherence to Applied Materials’ global Standards of Business Conduct and core values.

What we offer

• A supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Health and wellbeing programs that support personal and professional life.
• Opportunities to work on cutting‑edge semiconductor and display equipment.
• Full‑time employment with travel (approximately 10% of the time) and relocation eligibility.