New College Grad System Engineer, Material Characterization (PhD - Santa Clara)
Applied Materials· Semiconductor Equipment· Sep 29, 2026 · 29d ago
Santa Clara,CA
In office
Full-time
Mid
$130K–$175K est.
Job description
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:
$138,000.00 - $190,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
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 .
As a Systems Engineer, you’ll 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. You’ll be responsible for analyzing requirements, defining system architectures, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally, you’ll 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. You’ll join a supportive culture that encourages learning, experimentation, and professional growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Survey and evaluate a wide range of optical and sensor‑based material‑characterization methods, such as fluorescence, hyperspectral, and polarization imaging, FTIR, SIMS/DART/DESI, LIBS.
· Develop analytical and numerical models (e.g., physics theory, FDTD/RCWA, ray‑trace or wave‑optics 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 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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.
Application prep
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