Applications Engineer-Team Lead

Brewer Science, Inc. is a major innovator of high-technology solutions for the semiconductor / microelectronics markets. We are currently seeking a purpose-driven candidate with an ownership mentality to fill an open position as an Applications Engineer-Team Lead (level II, III, or IV). This position will be located in Rolla, MO. This job will close 10/31/2026. Summary:

Application Engineers are responsible for understanding customer requirements, providing technical support, and optimizing the application of chemical products within the manufacturing processes. Additionally, Applications Engineers will collaborate with internal teams, including sales, R&D, and production, to ensure seamless integration of products into customer operations. They serve as a technical expert, addressing customer inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and delivering solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Responsibilities:

Applications Engineer II:

• Learn internal and external customer needs for process, materials, and equipment support.

• Maintain accurate records of data, procedures, experiments, tests, and findings for future reference with record retention, which may include the use of lab notebooks. Prepare reports of the outcomes, process improvements, achievements, etc.

• Operate equipment including spin coaters, hot plates, ellipsometers, microscopes, plasma etchers, defect inspection equipment, wafer track, defect review, SEM review and other related equipment.

• Write accurate procedures for semiconductor equipment.

• Analyze experimental results using statistical methods and communicate results understandably to internal and external customers.

• Develop and improve test methods, finding creative ways to overcome technical limitations hindering a better understanding of product functions and limits.

• Continuously communicate to R&D, product integration, manufacturing, and other internal functional organizations any significant findings from product characterization.

• Assist in the development of technical proposals and presentations.

• Support upper-level applications engineers in conducting feasibility studies and product testing.

• May collaborate with customers to gather requirements and provide minimal technical assistance.

• Complete assignments that usually include one or more of the following: testing of materials, preparation of workbook and specifications, research investigations, report preparation, and other activities of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed.

• May coordinate the work of technicians or others who assist in specific assignments.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria under general supervision.

• Design and execute experiments and simulations, guide development efforts, and lead project teams.

• Responsible for specific tool ownership of semiconductor equipment including maintaining performance, establishing consistent procedures for operation, developing and running controls, working with OEM and maintenance, guiding internal customers on best practices, and continually learning and applying continuous improvement measures for both processing and equipment.

• Assist with training entry-level engineers and technicians on specific semiconductor equipment.

• Provide technical support and troubleshoot issues and propose solutions to ensure smooth operations.

• Contribute to the design and optimization for customer applications.

• Contribute new ideas to evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria.

• Responsible for assignments that meet specified objectives and timelines with moderate complexity.

• May present project findings at internal and externals meetings.

• May collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide moderate technical support to customers.

• Assist in the preparation of technical reports and documentation.

• May participate in on-site visits to understand customer processes and challenges.

Applications Engineer III:

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Same duties as Applications Engineer II.

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Additional duties as Applications Engineer III:

• Conduct in-depth analysis and troubleshooting of complex application issues.

• May supervise or coordinate the work of technicians or others who assist in specific assignments.

• Lead the development and optimization of diverse application processes.

• May lead applications engineering project teams and oversee project execution.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to entry-level applications engineers.

• Collaborate with sales teams to understand customer needs and deliver technical presentations.

• May generate invention disclosures

• May publish and present work at conferences and industry forums.

• Contribute ideas to assignments that need professional knowledge.

• Interpret, monitor, and analyze data to resolve moderately complex issues in non-routine research and data.

• Collaborate with R&D to integrate innovative technologies into application solutions.

Applications Engineer IV:

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Same duties as Applications Engineer III.

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Additional duties as Applications Engineer IV:

• Lead discussions using the experience of process and product performance to anticipate problems and solve them before they occur at the customer level.

• Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation of standard techniques, procedures, equipment designs, and key criteria.

• Perform work involving conventional engineering practices but may include complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements.

• Plan, schedule, and conduct or coordinate detailed phases of engineering work as part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope.

• Perform complex assignments with instructions relating largely to the overall project objectives and limits.

• Provide training to entry- and mid-level applications engineers and other technical employees.

• Learn customer needs for process, material, and equipment support.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to resolve critical process issues and challenges faced.

• Develop and implement long-term strategies for application improvements.

• Lead projects and guide strategy implementation for applications management initiatives.

• Perform experiments and simulations to win customer applications and guide internal department efforts.

• Communicate to customer the capabilities and limitations of company application testing

Team Lead Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily workflow of the team.

• Participate in the hiring process, train, and mentor new team members.

• Review and approve training requests, timecards, and expense reports.

• Provide constructive and timely performance conversations.

• Manage employee success by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, supporting professional development, and creating an environment of psychological safety and intentional inclusion.

• Participate in continuous coaching development.

• Communicate and coordinate alignment with other teams.

Education & Credentials:

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Applications Engineer II:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and 2+ years of experience or

• Master’s degree in related discipline or

• An equivalent combination of education and related experience.

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Applications Engineer III:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and 4+ years of experience or

• Master’s degree in a related field and 2+ years of experience or

• An equivalent combination of education and related experience.

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Applications Engineer IV:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline and 6+ years of experience or

• Master’s degree in a related field and 4+ years of experience or

• An equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Benefits

At Brewer Science, we are a Top Workplace, Certified Employee-Owned, Certified B Corp™, and GreenCircle Certified Zero Waste to Landfill. By joining Brewer Science, you will be eligible to receive benefits including:

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Medical, dental, vision, life, long- and short-term disability, identity theft protection, and pet insurance

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Paid leave, including community service leave, wellness breaks, and other special leave

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Employee stock ownership, 401k, and bonus plans

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Educational assistance & employee assistance program

Application Process: To apply for this position please complete the online application. This position is open until filled. Screening will begin immediately.

Equal Employment Opportunity - M/F/Disability/Veterans