2027 Summer Intern - Physicist/Scientist - PhD, (Santa Clara)

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials’ Silicon Product Group seeks summer 2027 interns to work on next-generation plasma processing tools. You will engage with engineering teams on forward-looking R&D, plasma-surface interactions, and ML-driven model acceleration.

Ideal candidates are PhD students in engineering, physics, chemistry, or CS with strong academic records and curiosity. This internship is based in Santa Clara, CA, with opportunities to learn and grow in a leading global tech company.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, CS, or a related field.
• GPA 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale at their university.
• Proficient in computational/plasma physics and related areas.
• Knowledge of machine learning applications is useful.
• Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and understand new plasma processing systems.
• Use molecular dynamics to study surfaces in contact with plasma.
• Develop capabilities in internal plasma and feature-scale models.
• Apply plasma models to etch and deposition experiments.
• Explore machine learning to accelerate model development and usage.

Skills

Computational physics

Plasma physics

Molecular dynamics

Plasma chemistry

Surface physics

Density functional theory

Reacting flows

Fluid dynamics

Machine learning

Quick learner

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering/Physics/Chemistry/CS

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.

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

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.

Job Description

Applied Materials’ team in the Silicon Product Group is searching for interns to join our team in summer 2027! The team closely works with the engineering groups in our business units to design the next generation plasma processing tools. The summer interns will be involved in projects related to forward-looking research and development, plasma and plasma – surface interaction model development, understanding the atomic-scale physics at surfaces in contact with plasma, and machine learning methods to accelerate plasma product and process design. Potential projects could include:

• Understanding and designing new plasma processing systems
• Use molecular dynamics simulation to understand fundamental processes at surfaces in contact with plasma
• Developing new capabilities in our internal plasma and feature scale models
• Use plasma and surface physics models to understand leading-edge plasma etch and deposition experiments
• Apply in-house plasma models to understand complex plasma behavior
• Explore machine learning methods to accelerate how 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D plasma and feature-scale models are developed and used

Requirements

• Student must be pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field
• Student must be in good academic standing at their university, with a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
• Proficient in some of the following fields: computational physics, plasma physics, molecular dynamics, plasma chemistry, surface physics, density functional theory, reacting flows, fluid dynamics
• Knowledge of machine learning applications will be useful
• Quick learner, high degree of flexibility and problem-solving skills

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Intern / Student

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

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 [e-mail], 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.