Physicist / Scientist IV (E4)

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Eligibility for bonus and stock award program

Job summary

Applied Materials is looking for a Physicist / Scientist IV in Santa Clara, CA. This role involves leading the development of scalable test platforms for energy-efficient computing and collaborating with teams to translate R&D innovations into manufacturable solutions.

The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, expertise in photonic technologies, and experience in semiconductor manufacturing. Join us to push the boundaries of technology and contribute to next-generation innovations.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in high-speed photonic interconnect technologies.
• Demonstrated track record of translating concepts to product realization.
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom environments.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable test platforms for energy-efficient computing applications.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop novel processes.
• Translate R&D innovations into manufacturable solutions.

Skills

High-speed photonic interconnect technologies

CAD modeling tools

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Problem-solving skills

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Advanced simulation methodologies

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: $161,000.00 - $221,000.00
• 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.
• 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.

Job Title

Physicist / Scientist IV (E4)

Location

Santa Clara, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead development of scalable test platforms and custom tools to support R&D and pilot‑scale deployment for energy‑efficient computing applications.
• Build and validate physical models, and perform simulations to optimize performance from device to system levels.
• Collaborate with device and integration engineers to develop and refine novel processes and manufacturing technologies using custom‑built systems.
• Identify problems and troubleshoot a wide range of complex problems, lead research and analysis results, support high‑level / complex physics‑related application and system issues in the lab and in the field when required.
• Translate R&D innovations into scalable, manufacturable solutions aligned with production requirements.
• Apply principles, theories, and concepts, contribute to the development of new principles and concepts, participate in product risk management discussions leveraging expertise and knowledge to influence and drive risk management decisions.
• Partner with cross‑functional, interdisciplinary teams to improve device performance, efficiency, and overall functionality.
• Initiate innovative physics/science projects that extend boundaries of system performance or technology, lead the selection and management of strategic vendors for modules, maintain relationships with outside customers, innovation partners, universities, consortia, and participate in technological customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong expertise in high‑speed photonic interconnect technologies, including key components and system‑level integration approaches.
• Deep experience with CAD modeling tools and advanced simulation methodologies.
• Demonstrated track‑record of innovations and translating concepts to product realization.
• Working knowledge and hands‑on experience of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced processing techniques.
• Hands‑on experience in cleanroom environments.
• Proven problem‑solving skills and a track record of effective collaboration in R&D and/or production settings.
• Ability to communicate difficult concepts and negotiate with others to adopt a different point of view.

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.