Engineer, Application, SMS

The Application Engineer represents ZEISS Semiconductor Mask Solutions (SMS). The role is mainly supporting both AIMS® (Aerial Image Measurement System, the system for defect review and repair verification), and MeRiT® (the system which repair tiny defects on photomasks using an advanced electron beam (e-beam). This requires technical knowledge of various systems and components and excellent time management skills.
Key Responsibilities :
supporting AIMS®:
Acts as the first-level application owner for AIMS® at customer production sites, independently diagnosing application issues and driving timely resolution
Prepares clear, fact-based and technically structured issue descriptions for second-level HQ support, enabling effective root cause analysis and follow-up actions
Serves as a technical communication bridge between customers and HQ, ensuring customer requirements, application findings and escalation topics are accurately represented
Leads or supports final Acceptance Test Protocol activities for newly delivered AIMS® systems to ensure readiness for customer use
Delivers customer training on AIMS® system usage, application workflows and released functionalities to improve customer capability and adoption
Defines, documents and shares AIMS®-related application use cases, customer scenarios and lessons learned to support continuous application improvement
Develops solution concepts together with HQ Application teams and supports implementation with customers
Owns tracking of customer action items and open application issues to support disciplined follow-through and timely closure
Demonstrates and supports rollout of released software, including new functionalities, and explains application impact to customers
Prepares and delivers application-focused technical presentations to support sales activities, customer discussions and solution positioning
supporting MeRiT®:
Builds and maintains advanced application knowledge for MeRiT® (with focusing the technical knowledge on e-beam technology and chemical reaction), including customer use cases, production challenges and application-related troubleshooting
Takes the lead application support role for MeRiT®, coordinating technical clarification, customer communication and follow-up actions
Leads regular customer technical meetings by summarising issues, providing application feedback and aligning next steps with customers and internal stakeholders
Provides post-sales application support in close collaboration with HQ, contributing technical input to customer engagement and solution positioning
Provides responsive technical support to customers through remote and on-site channels, ensuring timely guidance on application-related topics
Develops and presents detailed application-related technical materials to support sales assistance, customer education and technical decision-making
Tracks customer action items and open technical issues, driving structured follow-up to support timely resolution and customer satisfaction
Provides weekly MeRiT® system and application reports to the HQ Application Support team in Rossdorf, highlighting key issues, trends and required support
Periodical training in HQ (Rossdorf) is required, training period 1-3 months depending on the training subject.
Requirements :
University degree or in a relevant technical discipline, preferably in science, engineering, semiconductor technology or a related field
Major in mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering, physics, optics, chemistry or other semiconductor relevant disciplines is preferred
Minimum 3 years of relevant semiconductor industry experience, preferably in application engineering, technical customer support, process engineering, lithography, mask inspection or repair-related environments
Strong technical knowledge of chemical reaction, optics, lithography, e-beam technology and semiconductor manufacturing processes, with the ability to apply this knowledge to customer application issues
Ability to work independently, prioritise multiple customer topics, make sound technical judgments and collaborate effectively across local, regional and HQ teams
Strong written and spoken English communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to customers and internal stakeholders
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for customer support, technical alignment and HQ training as required
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Rebecca Felix