Mechanical Engineer IV - Wet Chemical Tool

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 202,500; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of semiconductor equipment in Santa Clara, CA. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in mechanical engineering and expertise with 3D CAD tools.

You will be responsible for designing mechanical systems, performing engineering analyses, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The role offers a competitive salary range of $147,000.00 - $202,500.00, and you will benefit from a supportive work culture.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of applicable experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in the semiconductor industry.
• Experience in semiconductor equipment design or troubleshooting.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical system design for semiconductor equipment.
• Drive engineering execution from concept through release.
• Define and optimize system-level design tradeoffs.
• Design and develop mechanical and fluid delivery subsystems.
• Perform and validate engineering analyses.
• Plan and execute structured tests to validate designs.
• Communicate technical results to teams and customers.
• Create and review engineering documentation.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

3D CAD tools

Engineering analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD or master's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Creo (Pro/ENGINEER)

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CFD ACE

COMSOL

Job description

Overview

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: $147,000.00 - $202,500.00

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 .

Role

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 will 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 will coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mechanical system design for semiconductor equipment, translating product and module requirements into robust architectures, with emphasis on system integration, fluid handling, and operating environments; experience with wet process or electrochemical systems (e.g., Copper plating, Wafer cleaning) is strongly preferred.
• Drive engineering execution from concept through release, including design, analysis, supplier engagement, build, and validation of complex subsystems (mechanical, fluid systems, and assemblies).
• Define and optimize system-level design tradeoffs across performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and serviceability, including fluid flow behavior and material interactions.
• Design and develop mechanical and fluid delivery subsystems, including layouts, schematics, and specifications; ensure appropriate material selection for operating environments.
• Perform and validate engineering analyses (thermal, structural, tolerance, and flow/fluids) using first-principles calculations and simulation tools (e.g., FEA/CFD).
• Plan and execute structured tests to validate designs, characterize operating windows, and establish design margins; analyze data using tools such as JMP and MS Excel to derive statistically sound conclusions.
• Communicate technical results through presentations to cross-functional teams, management, and customers.
• Create, specify, and review engineering documentation and release through PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter), ensuring accuracy and configuration control.

Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in mechanical engineering with 5–7 years of applicable experience, preferably in the semiconductor industry.
• Experience in semiconductor equipment design or troubleshooting. Experience with wet process or electrochemical systems (e.g., Copper plating, Wafer cleaning) is strongly preferred
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as Siemens NX, Creo (Pro/ENGINEER), or SolidWorks.
• Experience with engineering analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, CFD ACE, COMSOL) is a plus.
• Demonstrated strength in at least one technical domain: thermal engineering, compressible flow, mechanical design, or machining/manufacturing processes.
• Experience with statistical data analysis tools such as JMP and MS Excel.
• Experience using FEA packages (Ansys, CFD-Ace, ComSol, etc.) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, concise engineering documentation.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced product development environment.

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.