Hardware/Design Engineer: Robotics

Applied Materials, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled robotics engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of wafer transfer robots and handling systems.

You will design, integrate and test next-gen robotic mechanisms, end-effectors, and motion control to move fragile silicon wafers with micron-level precision in ultra-clean environments. The ideal candidate has deep mechatronics, precision motion control, and contamination-control experience for semiconductor fab equipment, with 5+

Qualifications

• BS or MS in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or related.
• 5+ years in semiconductor equipment manufacturing and wafer transfer robotics preferred.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, NX or similar.
• Programming in C++, Python, ROS2; PLC/embedded motion controllers experience.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical & Mechatronics Design of robotic arms, end-effectors, and motion systems.
• Engineered ultra-clean, high-vacuum environments and selected low-particle materials.
• Integrated robot hardware with PLCs, vision systems and fab automation software.
• DOE-driven testing, unit/partition/system-level validation.
• Data-driven decision making and documentation of test results.
• Troubleshooting to improve MTBF and design maintenance programs.

Skills

Mechatronics

Robotics

Motion control

Data-driven decisions

Education

BS or MS in robotics

BS or MS in mechatronics

BS or MS in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Python

C++

ROS2

PLC/embedded motion controllers

PyTorch

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:

$152,000.00 - $208,500.00

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.

Position summary

We are seeking a highly skilled robotics engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of high-precision wafer transfer robots and atmospheric/vacuum handling systems. In this role, you will design, integrate and test next gen robotic mechanisms, end-effectors, and motion control configuration that move fragile silicon wafers with micron-level precision in ultra-clean environments. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechatronics, precision motion control, and strict contamination constraints required in semiconductor fab equipment.

Roles and responsibilities

• Mechanical & Mechatronics Design: Design high-rigidity, low-vibration robotic arms, SCARA/articulated configurations, and end-effectors using SolidWorks and NX.

• Cleanroom & Vacuum Optimization: Engineer systems for ultra-clean, high-vacuum, or inert gas environments, selecting low-particle-generation materials and magnetic/direct-drive actuators.

• System Integration: Integrate robot hardware with PLCSs, vision systems, optical sensors, and fab automation software.

• System testing: Proficiency in DOE and its execution. Unit testing, partition testing and overall system-level testing.

• Data-driven decision making: Collect and document data during test

• Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering: Diagnose tool errors, optimize Mean Time Between Failures, and design maintenance programs to reduce cost of ownership

• Motion Control & Precision Alignment: Program micron level positioning repeatability, trajectory planning and vibration suppression algorithms using closed-loop control systems.

• Working with robotics suppliers and integrators and checking the quality of their work

• Documentation: Release drawings, part numbers, PLM, design reviews

Qualifications:

• Education: BS or MS in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or related

• 5+ years working preferably in semiconductor equipment manufacturing and wafer transfer robotics

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, NX or similar.

• Experience with precision transmission components, brushless motors, encoders, and vacuum seals.

• Programming and control fluency in C++, Python, ROS2, or PLC/embedded motion controllers.

• Computer vision and PyTorch experience is a plus

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% 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.