Enter a job title or keyword

New College Grad PhysicistScientist (PhD Santa Clara, CA

Applied Materials


Job Location:

Santa Clara County, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 138000 - 190000
Posted: 20 September 2026 (9 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 18 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 worlds technology.


What We Offer


Salary:

$138000.00 - $190000.00

Location:

Santa ClaraCA

Youll 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 possiblewhile 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. Were 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.

Position Summary
Conducts scientific research and technology development in photonics optics optical metrology and electromagnetic systems. Applies physics-based principles modeling simulation and experimental methods to develop innovative optical solutions improve system performance and enable next-generation products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design develop and characterize optical and photonic systems components and architectures.
  • Perform modeling and simulation of optical electromagnetic and photonic phenomena.
  • Design and execute experiments to validate theoretical predictions and system performance.
  • Analyze experimental and measurement data to identify performance limitations and optimization opportunities.
  • Develop novel optical metrology and sensing approaches.
  • Collaborate with hardware software systems and product engineering teams to integrate optical technologies into products.
  • Drive technology innovation through invention disclosures patent generation and technical leadership.
  • Communicate technical findings through reports presentations and design reviews.
  • Engage with academic industrial and research partners on advanced technology development.

Typical Technical Areas

  • Integrated photonics
  • Silicon photonics
  • Optical metrology
  • Interferometry
  • Optical imaging systems
  • Fiber optics and optical communications
  • Laser systems and beam delivery
  • Electromagnetic modeling and simulation
  • Computational optics
  • Optical sensing and instrumentation
  • Nanophotonics and plasmonics
  • Machine learning for optical system design and analysis

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Physics Applied Physics Optical Engineering Electrical Engineering Photonics or a related field.
  • Strong background in optics electromagnetics or photonics.
  • Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g. Zemax Lumerical COMSOL FDTD/FEM platforms).
  • Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate scientific concepts into practical engineering solutions.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Success Measures

  • Innovation and technical contributions to optical technologies.
  • Performance improvements in photonic systems and measurement capabilities.
  • Quality and rigor of scientific investigations.
  • Intellectual property generation and technical leadership.
  • Effectiveness in cross-disciplinary collaboration and product impact.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

New College Grad

Travel:

Not Specified

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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 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 or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 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.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

Company Logo

Applied Materials, Inc. is the global leader in materials engineering solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries.

View Profile View Profile