Principal Application Engineer – Semiconductor Materials
Henkel seeks a Principal Application Engineer in Irvine, CA. Lead semiconductor materials innovation. $120K–$155K + relocation
Ready to engineer innovation with a global leader in adhesives and functional materials?
Are you an expert in materials engineering for semiconductors, passionate about solving complex challenges, and eager to make a real impact in electronics manufacturing? Then our client, Henkel, wants to hear from you.
We’re looking for a Principal, Application Engineer to join Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit in Irvine, California (relocation support available). This is a unique opportunity to lead technical applications in semiconductor materials while collaborating with customers and driving innovation in a fast-evolving market.
The Role
As Principal Application Engineer, you’ll lead technical engineering initiatives for Henkel’s advanced material products, developing deep application knowledge in the electronics sector. You’ll be at the forefront of semiconductor materials innovation, optimizing processes, solving real-world customer challenges, and supporting Henkel’s role as a trusted partner to the world’s leading electronics companies.
What You’ll Do
Serve as the technical lead for developmental and commercialized adhesive and material products.
Drive optimization of material application processes to ensure performance and efficiency.
Collaborate directly with customers to troubleshoot and solve product and process-related challenges.
Develop and expand application expertise in the semiconductor electronics market.
Stay ahead of industry trends, especially in Semiconductor Power Packaging.
Apply advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE) to drive innovation.
Who You Are
Master’s degree in Material Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
10+ years of experience working with materials in a semiconductor environment.
Strong knowledge of semiconductor packaging trends and application processes.
Proven ability to lead technical engineering projects and collaborate across customer and internal teams.
Expertise in statistical methods and DOE for process optimization.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trust and solve problems in fast-paced environments.
What You’ll Get
Base Salary: $120,000 – $155,000 + competitive benefits
Relocation assistance available
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and retirement plan
Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of materials innovation in the semiconductor industry
Career growth with a global market leader in adhesives and functional coatings
About Sperton
Sperton is a global recruitment and consulting firm with offices across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We help companies find and manage top talent across borders, delivering fast, compliant, and flexible recruitment, consultant hiring, and global mobility services.
📩 Sound like the next step in your career?
Apply now and join Henkel in shaping the future of electronics manufacturing.
- Locations
- United States
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Job location
- Irvine

Workplace & Culture at Sperton
At Sperton, we believe that great results come from great people.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering quality in everything we do.
We are a Norwegian-owned international company with colleagues across Europe, Asia, and the USA, working together seamlessly across time zones and cultures. Our teams are diverse, yet united by the same goal — to connect people and companies in meaningful ways.
We value openness, initiative, and continuous learning. Everyone at Sperton is encouraged to take ownership, share ideas, and challenge existing ways of working to make our solutions even better.
Even though we operate globally, our approach is personal. We take pride in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to grow — both professionally and personally.
Already working at Sperton Global AS ?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.