Physicist / Scientist IV (E4)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Bonus potential

Stock awards

10% travel

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA seeks a PhD-level Physicist/Scientist IV to design scalable test platforms, build models, and drive disruptive photonic technologies for advanced display and chip manufacturing.

You will collaborate with engineers to translate R&D into production-ready solutions and guide vendor relationships while advancing system-level performance. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, cross-functional teamwork, and leadership in innovative projects within a global

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Strong expertise in high-speed photonic interconnect technologies and system-level integration.
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor manufacturing equipment and advanced processing techniques.
• Proven problem-solving skills and collaboration in R&D or production settings.
• Hands-on experience in cleanroom environments.
• Ability to communicate difficult concepts and negotiate viewpoints.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead scalable test platforms and custom tools for R&D and pilot-scale deployment.
• Build and validate physical models, and perform simulations to optimize device and system performance.
• Collaborate with device and integration engineers to develop and refine manufacturing technologies using custom-built systems.
• Identify problems and troubleshoot a wide range of complex issues; lead research and analysis results in lab and field as required.
• Translate R&D innovations into scalable, manufacturable solutions aligned with production requirements.
• Apply principles and contribute to development of new principles; influence risk management decisions with cross-functional teams.
• Initiate innovative physics projects and manage strategic vendor relationships for modules.

Skills

High-speed photonic interconnects

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Cleanroom experience

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or closely related field

Tools

CAD modeling 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. 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 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, supports 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, contributes to the development of new principles and concepts, participates in product risk management discussions leveraging his / her 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, which extend boundaries of system performance or technology, lead the selection and management of strategic vendors for modules, maintains relationships with outside customers of innovation, universities, consortia, 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.
• Demonstrate track-record of innovations and translating concepts to product realization.
• Working knowledge and hands‑on experiences 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.
• 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 Employer

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.

Accessibility

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.

Accommodation Requests

This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.