Background Investigator

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary:
$72,000.00 - $99,000.00

Location:
Home / Mobile,FL-001

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits .

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Background Analyst, Global Security Operations

POSITION OVERVIEW

Company

Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale helps our customers – who make smartphones, supercomputers, virtual reality headsets, autonomous vehicles and more – transform their ideas into reality.

The technologies we create are the foundational building blocks of the future. Our systems make semiconductor devices, called chips - "the brains" of electronics used in almost every aspect of our lives. The promise of new and exciting applications, transforming industries such as consumer electronics, transportation, communications, and healthcare, are enabled by advances in semiconductor and display technology.

We Deliver Material Innovation that Changes the World ®. If you’re looking for the next step in your future, consider Applied Materials. With the data explosion and new investment in semiconductors, it’s an exciting place to be.

Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Background Analyst to support Applied Materials’ global Background Check (BGC) program within Global Security Operations (GSO) in Austin, Texas.

Applied Materials is growing at a pace that is driving significant increases in headcount and production. As a result, we expect over the next five years to have the most exciting and active R&D and manufacturing infrastructure pipeline in our history. With that growth, Global Security Operations (GSO) has the critical responsibility of protecting our people, intellectual property, reputation, products, and facilities – enabling Applied Materials’ success. We continue to build a world class security team supporting Applied’s global leadership in research, development, products, and capabilities, and as a member of the GSO team you will play an exciting and key role in our success.

The Background Analyst supports the company’s global Background Check program, working daily with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and other partners to ensure background checks for employees, contractors, and other workers are completed accurately, consistently, and in compliance with applicable laws in each region. The analyst reviews and analyzes BGC results, identifies discrepancies and potential risk indicators, and escalates issues to the appropriate stakeholders for resolution. In addition, the analyst supports GSO with broader security efforts, including assisting with internal investigations, research, and case documentation. The analyst must also have a working knowledge of AI and automation tools and how to apply them to streamline case review, tracking, and reporting while maintaining accuracy and privacy.

You will partner with Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Legal, Privacy, Global Trade Compliance, GSO investigators, and third-party screening vendors to deliver timely, consistent, and compliant outcomes across all regions. This position will contribute to measurable improvements in case turnaround time, quality, and stakeholder experience, and will help refine BGC processes, procedures, and escalation guidelines as the company grows.

The Background Analyst position requires an on-site presence of forty (40) hours per week and reports to the GSO Personnel Security Manager. The role requires travel up to 5%.

Program Components Include

·       Global pre-employment and contractor background checks

·       BGC results analysis and adjudication support

·       Issue escalation and adverse action coordination

·       Daily partnership with HR, Talent Acquisition, and Legal

·       Investigations and security support to GSO

·       Screening vendor management and quality audits

·       Monitoring and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)

Key Responsibilities

- Support the day-to-day operation of the global Background Check program for employees, contractors, and other workers across all Applied Materials regions.

- Review and analyze BGC results, including criminal history, employment, education, and professional license verifications, identifying discrepancies and potential risk indicators.

- Escalate adverse findings, discrepancies, and program issues to HR, Legal, and GSO leadership in a timely manner, with clear and accurate documentation.

- Work daily with HR and Talent Acquisition partners on case status, candidate questions, and pre-adverse and adverse action processes in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable international, state, and local laws.

- Manage case intake, tracking, and documentation in the BGC case management system, ensuring records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.

- Serve as a point of contact for third-party screening vendors; monitor service levels, turnaround times, and report quality across regions.

- Support GSO investigations by conducting research, reviewing records, preparing case documentation, and responding to data requests.

- Provide broader security support to GSO as needed, including insider risk referrals, restricted party screening support, and special projects.

- Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline BGC workflows, including case intake, results summarization, status tracking, and routine partner communications.

- Identify and recommend opportunities to use AI to reduce turnaround times, improve consistency, and eliminate manual, repetitive tasks, while ensuring human review of all adjudication decisions.

- Use AI tools responsibly and in line with Applied Materials policies on data privacy, confidentiality, and acceptable use.

- Develop and maintain BGC program metrics, dashboards, and regular reports for GSO and HR leadership.

- Develop and maintain SOPs, job aids, and procedural checklists to keep processes current and consistent across regions.

- Protect personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure that BGC activities remain in compliance with all statutory, privacy, and regulatory requirements and Applied Materials policies and controls.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Education

The ideal candidate will have the following:

- 3+ years of experience in background screening, personnel security, investigations, or a related field.

- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or in lieu of education, equivalent experience in background investigations or personnel security.

- Working knowledge of the FCRA, fair chance hiring requirements, and international privacy and screening regulations (e.g., GDPR).

- Experience supporting a global or multi-region background check program and working with screening vendors and case management systems.

- Experience supporting investigations, including research, records review, and written case documentation.

- Working knowledge of AI and automation tools (e.g., generative AI assistants, workflow automation) and how to apply them to improve efficiency and quality.

- Strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

- Demonstrated ability to collaborate daily with HR, Legal, and business partners across a multinational organization.

- Professional certification (e.g., PBSA FCRA Basic Certification, PCI, or CFE) is a plus.

Other Suitability Factors

To succeed in this role requires a capacity for complexity and temperament that includes:

- Sound judgment and a high degree of integrity

- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

- Confidence to escalate issues promptly and objectively

- Self-motivated and able to work independently while managing a high volume of cases

- Strong partner and customer service orientation with a professional communication style

- Curiosity and willingness to adopt new tools and technologies

- Able to manage sensitive information maintaining strict confidentiality of privileged information and personal data

Additional Information

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular

Travel:
No

Relocation Eligible:
No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.