Field Application Engineer, DRAM
Job description
About the role
The role translates customer requirements into product solutions and qualification plans. Success drives design wins and long-term memory industry partnerships.
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
What you'll do
Customer requirements are analyzed and turned into technical specifications that guide product solutions.
Product roadmaps and lifecycle activities are managed with headquarters to align schedules and deliverables.
Customer and contract manufacturer collaboration supports qualification plans, sample planning, and timely design wins.
Technical documentation and ECN/PCN materials are produced and delivered to customers to ensure clarity and compliance.
Customer quality issues are tracked through RMA and failure analysis processes with HQ QA teams.
Environmental document processes are coordinated to meet internal and external standards.
Regular project reviews are held with customers to track progress and resolve open issues.
Cross-functional engagement with customer design engineers and project managers enables timely technical and product support.
Pre-sales and post-sales requirements are addressed to maintain satisfaction and strengthen partnerships.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
A minimum of 3+ years of experience in field application engineering, customer technical support, or semiconductor/memory roles is mandatory.
Working knowledge of DRAM products, memory architecture, and DRAM operation principles must be demonstrated.
Experience supporting customers with system-level integration, debugging, and technical issue resolution is essential.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills translate technical data into clear customer recommendations.
Nice to have
Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Experience in the semiconductor industry, preferably in memory (DRAM, NAND Flash), is valued.
Advanced knowledge or hands-on experience with DRAM products, memory architecture, or DRAM quality management processes is beneficial.
Strong presentation and documentation skills communicate complex technical topics to diverse audiences.
Fluent bilingual communication skills in both English and Korean support customer-facing engagements.
Skills & tools
General semiconductor memory tools and methodologies are used in this role.
Analytical and documentation tools support customer interactions and quality processes.
Practical notes
This role requires US work authorization. Onsite presence at the San Jose location is expected.
Travel may be required to support customers and qualification activities.
Team collaboration with headquarters and customer-side engineers is central to the position.
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.