New College Grad System Engineer, Material Characterization (PhD Santa Clara, CA)

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.

As a Systems Engineer youll design integrate and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced solutions to intricate processes and writing system specifications. Youll be responsible for analyzing requirements defining system architectures conducting thorough testing and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally youll identify and mitigate risks confirming that our systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

SUMMARY

Launch your professional engineering career at the forefront of semiconductor inspection technology. As a System Engineer Material characterization you will be responsible for developing original technical concepts for material discrimination in emerging product architectures and converting them into world best inspection and metrology products. Youll join a supportive culture that encourages learning experimentation and professional growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Survey and evaluate a wide range of optical and sensorbased materialcharacterization methods such as fluorescence hyperspectral and polarization imaging FTIR SIMS/DART/DESI LIBS.

Develop analytical and numerical models (e.g. physics theory FDTD/RCWA raytrace or waveoptics simulations) to predict sensitivity and discrimination capability.

Build and align benchtop optical setups generate structured and clear experimental results.

Analyze data using Python and Matlab-based tools to compare experimental results with theoretical predictions. Leverage existing and emerging AI capabilities to maximize efficiency.

Create structured decision matrices ranking candidate approaches based on feasibility performance integration complexity throughput constraints hardware footprint and risks.

Summarize and present to peers and management scientific & engineering recommendations identifying the most promising development pathways.

Generate detailed system requirements proactively work with OE ME EE SW & Algo cross-functional engineering teams to convert concept and bench results into functional prototypes and market leading products following best engineering practices.

Ability to act as a technical project manager meeting performance schedule and cost targets.

Develop test plans and execute test procedures calibration routines and diagnostic protocols; document results with precision.

Support system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis design verification and validation activities across hardware software and algorithms.

Deliver necessary engineering documentation following defined Product Life Cycle process.

Develop and maintain IP portfolio and adhere to strict information security culture.

EDUCATION

PhD in Physics Applied Physics Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Optical Engineering Material Sciences or related field with experience in material characterization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong academic background in physics optics or engineering fundamentals.

Strong theoretical understanding of material sciences and methods to characterize and discriminate different materials.

Hands-on lab experience through coursework internship personal projects or research.

Analytical and methodical problem-solving approach.

Proficient in Python MATLAB or equivalent for data collection and analysis.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Self-motivated; able to learn quickly in a fast-paced multi-disciplinary team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Internship or co-op experience in semiconductor equipment instrumentation or photonics.

Familiarity with optical systems imaging or laser-based instruments.

Experience with test automation or data acquisition systems.

Prior exposure to manufacturing cleanroom or lab operations.

Coursework or project experience in systems engineering.

Applied Materials is committed to diversity in its workforce including Equal Employment Opportunity for Minorities Females Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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.