Optical System Engineer

Applied Materials, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is hiring a Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward.

You will analyze requirements, define architectures, perform tests, and ensure seamless subsystem integration to exceed customer expectations. You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams, use Zemax for optical simulations, and work with suppliers to optimize fiber coupling optics and component performance.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Zemax optical design software in geometric optics and physical optics modules.
• Statistical tolerancing analysis in Zemax.
• Hands-on experience in optical testing setup design, assembly, and alignment.
• Programming skills for instrument control and test automation.
• Data processing and analysis with Python, MATLAB, or other high-level programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Utilize optical design software (Zemax) to perform optical simulations and design fiber coupling optics for photonic chip.
• Work with suppliers to determine the specs and optimize the performance of fiber coupling optics.
• Design and perform experiments to evaluate performance of individual optical components and fiber coupling performance.
• Provide technical support to mechanical and process engineers to ensure optimal performance under realistic manufacturing conditions.

Skills

Optical design

Python

MATLAB

Test automation

Data analysis

Instrument control

Tools

Zemax

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.

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.

Roles and responsibilities

• Utilize optical design software (Zemax) to perform optical simulations and design fiber coupling optics for photonic chip
• Work with suppliers to determine the specs and optimize the performance of fiber coupling optics
• Design and perform experiments to evaluate performance of individual optical components and fiber coupling performance
• Provide technical support to mechanical and process engineers to ensure optimal performance under realistic manufacturing conditions

Minimum qualification required

• Proficiency with Zemax optical design software in both geometric optics and physical optics modules
• Statistical tolerancing analysis in Zemax
• Hands‑on experience in optical testing setup design, assembly, and alignment
• Programming skills for instrument control and test automation
• Data processing and analysis with Python, MATLAB, or other high‑level programming languages

Nice‑to‑have experience

• Experience with fiber coupling designs / fiber attach processes in advanced packaging
• Knowledge of optical communication standard and pluggable, NPO, CPO technologies
• Passive and active photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and layout
• Familiar with common semiconductor process flows and foundry PDK

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• 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 [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.