Senior Systems Engineer – Electrical Interconnects

Hardware FYI; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Systems Engineer to own electrical interconnect architectures for high‑performance optical systems. You’ll oversee end‑to‑end development from requirements to integration, working across electrical, software and mechanical teams.

You will derive interface requirements, manage budgets for EMI/EC and timing, and mentor junior engineers while improving manufacturability and serviceability. The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration and strong problem solving.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience with a BS, 5+ years with an MS, or 2+ years with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• Define the system‑level electrical interconnect architecture: harness and cable topology, connector and pin‑out standards, power distribution, grounding and shielding, and routing constraints for optical, motion, and substrate‑handling subsystems.
• Derive electrical and communication requirements from customer and system requirements; document them in ICDs and provide input to design engineers.
• Define and own subsystem communication architecture and protocols (Ethernet/GigE, EtherCAT, CAN, serial, USB, camera links).
• Lead interconnect and communications subsystem projects with cross‑functional teams to meet success criteria.
• Develop and maintain error and noise budgets (EMI/EMC, signal integrity, power integrity, timing).
• Collaborate with suppliers during design, qualification, and manufacturing of critical cable assemblies and connectors.
• Define and execute system test plans for prototype acceptance and qualification of cables and subsystems.
• Design experiments (DOE) to validate error budgets and mitigate risks.
• Troubleshoot and root cause complex system‑level electrical, communication, and HW/SW issues using test equipment and logs.
• Implement diagnostics, self‑tests, and calibrations for communication links and interconnect health.

Skills

Electrical interconnect design

Systems engineering

Python/ Matlab

Troubleshooting

Project management

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Schematic capture/ECAD

Ethernet/CAN/USB interfaces

Job description

Applied Materials is seeking a Systems Engineer to own electrical interconnect architectures for high‑performance optical systems. You’ll oversee end‑to‑end development from requirements to integration, working across electrical, software and mechanical teams.

You will derive interface requirements, manage budgets for EMI/EC and timing, and mentor junior engineers while improving manufacturability and serviceability. The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration and strong problem solving.