Systems Engineer 5

Lam Research Salzburg GmbH; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 307,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Lam Research is seeking a senior Systems Engineer to own end-to-end hardware product architecture for wafer fabrication equipment. You will define specifications, integrate hardware, software, and firmware, and lead 20+ engineers across mechanical, electrical, RF, and controls disciplines.

You will shape system-level design decisions, manage cost models, and ensure documentation and release readiness for a next-generation Etch Process Module.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in EE/ME or related field; 8 years with a Master’s; 5 years with a PhD; or equivalent experience.
• Senior hardware design experience with broad subsystem ownership across multiple domains.
• End-to-end ownership of a complex hardware product through concept to sustaining.
• Proven ability to deliver cost-aligned designs under aggressive schedules.
• Lead and influence a 20+ engineer cross-disciplinary team without direct reporting authority.

Responsibilities

• Own system architecture and hardware specifications for the Etch Process Module.
• Develop and maintain cost models and documentation for release and deployment.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams to drive architecture decisions and trade studies.
• Define subsystem interfaces and ensure integration across RF, vacuum, thermal, gas delivery, and controls.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Hardware design

Requirements management

Cross-functional leadership

RF/Vacuum/Thermal systems

Education

Bachelor’s in EE/ME or related field

Master’s in EE/ME or related field

PhD in related field (optional)

Job description

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

At Lam Research, we create equipment that 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 20, 2026

Location: Fremont, CA, US, 94538

Worker Category: On‑site Flex

The group you’ll be a part of

Join the Etch Product Group System Engineering team, a senior team of technical leaders responsible for system‑level architecture, end‑to‑end requirements, and integration of complex semiconductor process modules. Our System Engineers drive every major program, partnering daily with engineering, program management, product management, and other key stakeholders to deliver products that define the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.

The impact you’ll make

As a Systems Engineer at Lam, you will design complex frameworks, systems, or products for our wafer fabrication equipment. You will define system specifications, requirements, parameters, and compatibility to integrate hardware, software, and firmware into a cohesive system. You will identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses combined with your multi‑layered technical expertise to help shape the next generation of Lam initiatives.

What you’ll do

Systems Architecture and Requirements

• Accountable for the system meeting all performance, cost, schedule, and quality targets across the product lifecycle.
• Own the end‑to‑end system architecture and hardware system specification for the entire Etch Process Module.
• Lead the full requirements lifecycle, including stakeholder needs capture, decomposition, allocation, traceability, and verification closure.
• Define subsystem interfaces and ensure architectural integrity across mechanical, electrical, RF, controls, and software.

Product Definition, Cost & Documentation

• Own the high‑level BOM structure and core engineering documentation derived from product and system requirements.
• Contribute to system and major assembly cost models, including estimating cost impacts of new technologies.
• Own the facilities and product documentation package to support release and deployment.

Technical Leadership and Execution

• Lead a cross‑functional engineering team of 20+ engineers through influence, aligning execution without direct reporting authority.
• Drive system‑level design decisions and trade studies using data‑driven and analytical approaches.
• Guide architecture decisions considering plasma‑process interactions and subsystem coupling across RF, vacuum, thermal, and gas delivery.
• Provides technical feedback at program and design reviews.
• Review and approve critical technical documents, including FMEAs, test plans, and ensure the system meets all functional and performance requirements.
• Lead cross‑disciplinary troubleshooting and root cause resolution of complex system‑level issues.

Who we’re looking for

We're looking for an expert from a hardware engineering discipline (ME, EE, or equivalent) who has transitioned into, or is ready to transition into a Systems Engineering leadership role on complex, multi‑disciplinary capital equipment. The ideal candidate brings broad ownership across multiple subsystems or full products, rather than deep specialization in a single subsystem, control system, or narrow technology area.

• Minimum 12 years of related engineering experience with a Bachelor’s in EE, ME, or related engineering / science discipline; 8 years with a Master’s; or 5 years with a PhD; or equivalent experience.
• Proven, hands‑on track record as a Senior Hardware Design Engineer with broad ownership of multiple subsystems or an entire product (not a single specialty).
• Demonstrated end‑to‑end ownership of a complex, multi‑disciplinary hardware product through the full lifecycle — concept, architecture, design, integration, release, and sustaining.
• Track record of delivering cost‑aligned designs and resolving tradeoffs under aggressive program schedules with conflicting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence a large (20+ engineer) cross‑disciplinary engineering team without direct reporting authority.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Salary Range for this position: $141,000.00 - $307,000.00 (California, San Francisco Bay Area only).

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: Systems Engineer, Thermal Engineering, Design Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Engineering