Physicist/Scientist III – Photonics Simulation & Layout Engineer

0001 Applied Materials, Inc; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, hands-on technical scientist to join the CTO Quantum program in Santa Clara.

The role focuses on defining, developing, and evaluating photonic and optical technologies including metasurface, integrated photonics, and inspection/metrology concepts. You will connect photonic simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement data to run feasibility studies and support decisions as quantum technologies scale.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field completed by start date.
• Hands-on experience with FDTD and/or RCWA simulation.
• Programming in Python and/or MATLAB for automation and analysis.
• Familiarity with GDS layout generation and scripting.
• Cleanroom fabrication experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute engineering projects and contribute to R&D of new technologies.
• Define experiments (DOE) and determine data needed to support evaluation and decisions.
• Identify and troubleshoot design, process, and measurement problems.
• Interface with design, process, metrology, and mask teams.
• Apply advanced principles and contribute to new methods and capabilities.
• Prepare and deliver technical readouts and share new ideas with the team.
• Own electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic and metasurface components with convergence validation.
• Design thin-film optical stacks and evaluate material/geometry tradeoffs.
• Translate optimized designs into fabrication-ready GDSII layouts; run DRC and tape-out verification.
• Support mask data preparation and OPC/RET activities.
• Correlate simulation with metrology and optical test data to inform design.
• Build automated Python/MATLAB pipelines for data processing and reporting.

Skills

FDTD Simulation

RCWA Simulation

Python

MATLAB

GDSII Layout

Layout Scripting

DOE Planning

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Physics / Physics / EE / Optics or related

Tools

Lumerical FDTD

RSoft DiffractMOD

S4

GDSII/OASIS

KLayout

gdsfactory

Calibre / OPC-RET

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. 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 Mission

We are looking to hire a highly motivated, hands‑on technical individual to join our CTO Quantum program. The role will help define, develop, and evaluate novel photonic and optical technologies, including metasurface, integrated photonic, and inspection/metrology concepts, that enable scalable quantum systems on advanced substrates. You will connect photonic simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement data to run feasibility studies, show new capabilities, and support technical decisions as quantum technologies move from lab demonstrations to manufacturable platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute engineering projects and contribute to research and development of new technologies.
• Define experiments (including DOE) and determine the type of meaningful data required to support evaluation and technical decisions.
• Identify and troubleshoot design, process, and measurement problems.
• Interface with design, process, metrology, and mask teams.
• Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new methods and capabilities.
• Prepare and deliver technical readouts and share new ideas with the team.
• Own electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic, metasurface, and integrated photonic components, including convergence validation, parameter sweeps, and optical‑loss analysis.
• Design thin‑film optical stacks (e.g., anti‑reflection coatings) and evaluate material and geometry tradeoffs.
• Translate optimized designs into fabrication‑ready GDSII layouts using scripted/parameterized layout generation; run design rule checks and support tape‑out verification.
• Support mask data preparation and computational lithography activities (OPC/RET, model calibration data, and verification).
• Correlate simulation with metrology and optical test data; evaluate process‑variation impact and convert results into design and process guidelines.
• Build automated Python/MATLAB pipelines for data processing, statistical analysis, and reporting; present simulation, layout, and verification readouts to the team.

Tools & Software

• Photonics Simulation Required: FDTD (e.g., Ansys Lumerical FDTD) and RCWA (e.g., RSoft DiffractMOD, S4, or in‑house)
• Transfer‑matrix / thin‑film tools (e.g., Essential Macleod, TFCalc, or custom code)
• Preferred: Lumerical MODE/CHARGE, COMSOL Multiphysics, or RF/electro‑optic solvers
• Layout / Mask Data Required: GDSII/OASIS layout and scripting (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory/gdstk)
• Preferred: Cadence Virtuoso; Siemens Calibre or Synopsys tools for DRC, OPC/RET, and MDP
• Data Processing Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), MATLAB, Linux/scripting
• Functional Knowledge Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.
• Business Expertise Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
• Leadership Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
• Problem Solving Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
• Impact Impacts a range of project activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies.
• Interpersonal Skills Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus.
• Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills Solid foundation in optics/photonics, electromagnetics, and semiconductor processing Quick learner, comfortable with both computational and hands‑on lab work Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Materials Science and Engineering, or equivalent (completed by start date).
• Years of Experience: 0–2 years post‑Ph.D.; relevant industry internship experience is a plus.
• Required Ph.D. research in nanophotonic, metasurface, or integrated photonic device simulation and design.
• Hands‑on experience with FDTD and/or RCWA simulation.
• Programming skills (Python and/or MATLAB) for simulation automation and quantitative data analysis.
• Familiarity with GDS layout generation and scripting.
• Preferred Cleanroom fabrication experience (e.g., e‑beam lithography, dry etch) Optical characterization and measurement‑system experience Experience with OPC/RET, mask data preparation, or DRC rule decks.
• Experience with active/passive PIC devices, wafer‑level metrology, or quantum‑technology.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: New College Grad

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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.