About the Role
Applied Materials is seeking a skilled Orbital Welder to join our precision fabrication team. In this role, you will use orbital welding equipment, tools, and practices to build, repair, and test mechanical, vacuum, and pneumatic assemblies, subassemblies, and components used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This position requires close attention to weld quality, cleanliness, and repeatability in a high-precision, cleanroom-adjacent manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate orbital (autogenous and wire-fed) welding equipment to join stainless steel and specialty alloy tubing, fittings, and vacuum components to exacting quality standards.
- Read and interpret work orders, operation method sheets, blueprints, weld procedure specifications (WPS), and P&ID drawings to determine weld sequence, joint preparation, and acceptance criteria.
- Perform mechanical assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of vacuum, gas delivery, and pneumatic subassemblies.
- Inspect completed welds visually and with precision measuring and leak-detection instruments; identify, document, and correct defects or nonconformances.
- Purge, weld, and verify high-purity gas and chemical delivery lines to semiconductor industry cleanliness standards.
- Utilize test fixtures, electronic measurement equipment, leak detectors, and/or vacuum pumps to test finished assemblies and components.
- Maintain accurate travelers and records of work performed, including progress, labor, and material usage in the production tracking system.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot orbital welding heads and power supplies; escalate equipment issues as needed.
- Observe all safety standards; maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; report hazards, incidents, or near-misses promptly.
- Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies and recommending corrective or preventive actions.
Requirements
- 1-3 years of hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductor, or high-purity fabrication environment; orbital/TIG-specific experience is a plus.
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. and use hand/power tools safely.
- Ability to wear cleanroom coveralls, hood, mask, booties, gloves, (cleanroom suit).
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmet, gloves, steel-toed shoes, and safety glasses required at all times in designated areas.
- Basic computer literacy for data entry into manufacturing execution systems (MES/ERP).
Skills
- Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precision joint fit-up and torch/orbital head control.
- Solid understanding of metallurgy, filler metals, and shielding gas selection for stainless steel and specialty alloys.
- Detail-oriented with a strong quality mindset and ability to self-inspect work to zero-defect standards.
- Effective written and verbal communication; able to collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, using standard operating procedures to resolve routine problems.
Location
- Austin, TX
Work Type
- Full time
Experience Level
- 1-3 years
Education Level
- High school diploma or GED required; technical diploma or associate degree in welding technology, machining, or a related trade strongly preferred.
- Completion of a formal welding and orbital welding training program (trade school, apprenticeship, or military) preferred.
Salary/Compensations
- $20.00 - $27.50
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, and paid time off.
- Eligibility for bonus and stock award programs as applicable.
About the Company
- Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.
- We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day.
- As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT.
- If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
- Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality.
- At Applied Materials, our innovations Make Possible® a Better Future.
Equal Opportunity
- Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
