Systems Engineer IV - (E4)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Stock awards

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Hillsboro, OR, is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced semiconductor equipment platforms across electrical, mechanical, optical, and software subsystems.

You will translate market needs into system-level architectures, guide design reviews, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with strong systems background.
• Experience in multidisciplinary system development across product lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of semiconductor equipment platforms.
• Translate requirements into system-level architectures and specs.
• Lead design reviews to identify optimal technical solutions.
• Define architectures, interfaces, and performance budgets.
• Develop verification strategies with traceability and testing.
• Lead electro-optical subsystem integration and performance optimization.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Optical Engineering / Physics / Systems Engineering / Electrical Engineering

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next‑generation semiconductor chips.

Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary: $140,000.00 - $192,500.00 Location: Hillsboro,OR, Tigard,OR 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.

As a Systems Engineer

Your expertise in systems thinking and problem‑solving is essential as you collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop advanced solutions to intricate processes and writing system specifications. You’ll be responsible for analyzing requirements, defining system architectures, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally, you’ll identify and mitigate risks, confirming that our systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering development and execution of advanced semiconductor equipment platforms incorporating electrical, mechanical, optical, algorithmic, and software subsystems.
• Translate market and customer requirements into system‑level architectures, requirements, specifications, and performance metrics.
• Lead architecture trade studies and system design reviews to identify and down‑select optimal technical solutions.
• Define, document, and maintain system architectures, interface requirements, subsystem allocations, and performance budgets.
• Develop and maintain detailed system specifications covering subsystem functionality, performance, reliability, serviceability, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
• Drive system integration activities during prototype development, subsystem integration, and product qualification phases.
• Identify and troubleshoot complex system‑level issues involving hardware, software, optics, controls, sensors, and algorithms.
• Collaborate with project management, product marketing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product delivery.
• Define system verification and validation strategies, including requirements traceability and performance testing.
• Work with suppliers and technology partners to evaluate and develop emerging technologies that enhance product performance and competitiveness.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and cross‑functional project teams.

Electro‑Optical Engineering Responsibilities

• Lead the development and integration of complex electro‑optical subsystems, including optical illumination systems, imaging systems, sensors, detectors, and laser‑based technologies.
• Define optical performance requirements, error budgets, alignment tolerances, and calibration methodologies.
• Conduct system‑level analysis of optical performance including resolution, signal‑to‑noise ratio, illumination uniformity, throughput, and stability.
• Support design and integration of: Machine vision systems Optical metrology systems Laser‑based inspection and measurement systems Precision imaging systems Optical sensors and detectors Photonics‑based subsystems
• Collaborate with optics, controls, software, and mechanical teams to optimize overall system performance.
• Develop system test plans and verification methods for optical and electro‑optical performance requirements.
• Investigate and resolve system‑level issues associated with optical alignment, vibration sensitivity, thermal effects, signal integrity, and calibration stability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging optical and photonic technologies to improve product capability and differentiation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree 7-10 years of engineering experience in semiconductor equipment, photonics, electro‑optical systems, advanced instrumentation, aerospace EO/IR systems, imaging systems, or related fields.
• Experience with complex multidisciplinary system development throughout the product lifecycle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience developing semiconductor capital equipment.
• Experience with laser technologies, imaging systems, machine vision, metrology systems, or optical sensors.
• Knowledge of requirements management methodologies and tools.
• Understanding of precision motion control, calibration systems, and automation architectures.

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 20% 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.

Accessibility Contact

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