Senior Systems Engineer: Electrical Interconnects & Optics

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

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a Systems Engineer to own electrical interconnect architecture and subsystem communications for a high-performance optical system. You will contribute across the product lifecycle from requirements through design, prototyping, validation, and field support.

You will lead cross-functional teams, define budgets, document ICDs, and ensure high quality, manufacturable solutions. Strong collaboration and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience designing, building, and debugging electrical interconnects and electro-mechanical systems (cable/harness design, connectors, power distribution, grounding, and shielding).
• Working knowledge of industrial and embedded communication interfaces and protocols (Ethernet, EtherCAT, CAN, RS-232/485, USB, camera interfaces).
• Experience reading and creating electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents.

Responsibilities

• Define the system-level electrical interconnect architecture and power distribution for subsystems.
• Derive electrical requirements from customer and system requirements and document in ICDs.
• Define and own subsystem communication architecture and protocols (Ethernet/GigE, EtherCAT, CAN, USB, camera links).
• Lead interconnect projects with cross-functional teams to meet success criteria.
• Develop and maintain error and noise budgets (EMI/EMC, signal integrity, timing).
• Collaborate with suppliers during design, qualification, and manufacturing of critical cable assemblies.

Skills

Electrical interconnects

System architecture

Troubleshooting

Python scripting

Test planning

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Protocol analyzers

DMMs

EDA tools

Job description

Applied Materials is seeking a Systems Engineer to own electrical interconnect architecture and subsystem communications for a high-performance optical system. You will contribute across the product lifecycle from requirements through design, prototyping, validation, and field support.

You will lead cross-functional teams, define budgets, document ICDs, and ensure high quality, manufacturable solutions. Strong collaboration and problem-solving are essential.