Mechanical Engineer III - (E3)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyze, and improve electrostatic chuck tooling and assemblies across the product life cycle.

You will lead or support tests, develop 3D models and drawings, coordinate suppliers, and ensure compliance with industry standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 4–7 years of relevant experience; the company offers competitive salary, relocation support,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 4–7 years of experience.
• Experience with CAD, thermodynamics, material selection, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with flow analysis and Design for Excellence.

Responsibilities

• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical problems with limited supervision
• Define, coordinate, perform, and document engineering tests; analyze results and generate reports
• Develop and modify mechanical designs of difficult scope, including 3D models and engineering drawings
• Perform engineering analysis of difficult scope with limited supervision
• Technically lead or execute projects; develop key suppliers and generate product specifications
• Design, develop and implement custom mechanical tooling, fixturing and associated processes; enable the handling, assembly and/or disassembly of parts, components, sub‑assemblies, and final assemblies; establish standards across all operational processes
• Specify and review engineering documentation
• Implement concepts for a variety of complex product issues and mechanical solutions
• Clearly communicate complex or sensitive information; build consensus

Skills

CAD/engineering design

Thermodynamics

Material selection

Manufacturing methods

GD&T

Flow analysis

Design for Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ANSYS/FEA

COMSOL Multiphysics

Python

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting‑edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary: $124,000.00 - $171,000.00

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 Mechanical Engineer, you’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to process and resolve mechanical problems, design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes, and enable the handling, assembly, and disassembly of parts, components, sub‑assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle.

You’ll be responsible for designing, developing, and modifying mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations-- and you’ll coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

Role Summary

This role focuses on the design, analysis, and testing of advanced electrostatic chucks (ESC) for plasma etch applications. The position offers hands‑on experience with complex thermal, mechanical, electrical, and materials challenges in advanced semiconductor hardware.

Role Responsibilities

• Identify and troubleshoot a variety of difficult mechanical problems with limited supervision
• Define, coordinate, perform, and document engineering tests; analyze results and generate reports
• Develop and modify mechanical designs of difficult scope, including 3D models and engineering drawings
• Perform engineering analysis of difficult scope with limited supervision
• Technically lead or execute projects; develop key suppliers and generate product specifications
• Design, develop and implement custom mechanical tooling, fixturing and associated processes; enable the handling, assembly and/or disassembly of parts, components, sub‑assemblies, and final assemblies; establish standards across all operational processes
• Specify and review engineering documentation
• Implement concepts for a variety of complex product issues and mechanical solutions
• Clearly communicate complex or sensitive information; build consensus

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4-7 years of experience
• Demonstrated experience with CAD software, thermodynamics, material selection, manufacturing methods, GD&T, flow analysis and/or Design for Excellence principles

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with engineering simulation tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, or similar FEA/CFD software
• Experience with data analysis and engineering computation using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Excel, or equivalent
• Experience with semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, high voltage systems, or similar complex engineering environments

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

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.

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