Product Engineer 4 (Optical)

Lam Research Salzburg GmbH; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site Flex

Virtual Flex

Job summary

Lam Research in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks a Product Engineer to drive sensor development for etch tools. You will work closely with customers and internal teams to solve real-time challenges and advance sensing technology for process control.

You will contribute to improving plasma diagnostics and sensor integration, with a focus on optical design, data acquisition, and algorithmic improvements across end-point and fault detection systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field with 5+ years experience, or PhD with 3+ years experience.
• Experience with optical and electrical sensors, plasma diagnostics and process control.
• Strong modeling and statistical analysis using MATLAB, Python, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Improve existing plasma sensors with emphasis on optical design.
• Evaluate novel plasma sensing techniques and integrate sensor into Lam etch tools.
• Develop signal analysis routines and data acquisition routines.
• Improve analysis algorithms for endpoint, fault detection and process control.
• Explore other plasma diagnostic applications for process control (e.g., spectroscopy, reflectometry).
• Provide product support and troubleshoot sensor problems for customers.
• Create documentation for customers and field engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to guide product development.
• Work in a cleanroom lab or semiconductor fab environment.

Skills

Optical and electrical sensors

Plasma diagnostics

Process control

Mathematical modeling & data analysis

Teamwork & communication

Education

Master’s degree in related field

PhD with 3+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

C++

Python

ZEMAX

Job description

In your career, let’s prove what’s possible.

At Lam Research, we create equipmentthat drives technological advancements in the semiconductor industry. Our innovative solutions enable chipmakers to power progress in nearly all aspects of modern life, and it takes each member of our team to make it possible.

Across our organization, our employees come to work and change the world. We take on the toughest challenges with precision and accuracy. We push for the next big semiconductor breakthrough. We lead the way in one of the most critical and fast-moving industries on the planet. And we do it together, with deep connections and limitless collaboration.

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Because at Lam, we believe that when people are the priority and they’re inspired to unleash the power of innovation for a better world together, anything is possible.

Date: Jul 22, 2026

Location: Fremont, CA, US, 94538

Worker Category: On-site Flex

The group you’ll be a part of

You will be part of the Process Sensors and Endpoint group that is in the Etch Product Organization.

The impact you’ll make

At Lam, as a Product Engineer, you thrive in high-stakes, dynamic environment, driving product development at the forefront of the semiconductor equipment industry. Collaborating closely with customers and internal teams, you will provide real-time problem-solving to customer challenges and to enhance our products. Your passion for engaging with customers and innovative engineering drives progress in our industry, tackling the once unsolvable.

In this role, you will directly contribute to improve sensing technology for etch process control.

What you’ll do

• Improve existing plasma sensors with special emphasis on optical design.
• Evaluate novel plasma sensing techniques. Implement the sensor integration to Lam etch tools. Develop signal analysis routines and data acquisition routines.
• Improve and develop existing analysis algorithms for endpoint, fault detection and process control.
• Investigate other applications of plasma diagnostic techniques for process control, such as absorption spectroscopy, absolute optical emission spectroscopy, reflectometry, ellipsometry, etc…
• Product support: help customers to develop sensor based applications, troubleshoot customer sensor problems.
• Create documentation for customers and field service engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to guide the specification and development of products.
• Work in a cleanroom lab and/or customer semiconductor fab environment.

Who we’re looking for

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years’ experience; or equivalent experience.

Experience with optical and electrical sensors, plasma diagnostics, process control.

Experience with mathematical modeling and statistical analysis techniques. Matlab, C++, Python, ZEMAX.

Familiar with some of the following techniques: reflectometry, interferometry, spectroscopy, Langmuir probes, Voltage-Intensity probes...

• Good communication skills, liking of teamwork.

Our commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company\'s intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On-site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $104,000.00 - $231,000.00.

The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

Nearest Major Market: San Francisco
Nearest Secondary Market: Oakland
Job Segment: Chemical Research, Optics Engineering, Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Engineering