Physicist- E4

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

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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. 

Job Summary

The VSE Physicist applies fundamental and applied physics to the development, analysis, and optimization of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role provides system level physics leadership for beam-based tools and complex subsystems, supporting product development, qualification, customer escalations, and long term technology roadmaps.

Physicists work cross functionally with engineering, manufacturing, applications, and customers to solve high complexity technical problems, define experiments, and extend system performance using physics-based insight.

Key Responsibilities

Physics & System Development

• Apply advanced physics principles to analyze, model, and optimize semiconductor equipment systems and subsystems
• Develop and evaluate physics concepts that extend system performance limits
• Analyze beam-based or particle-based interactions relevant to semiconductor manufacturing tools
• Define physics-based requirements and support system and subsystem architecture decisions
• Understand and develop solutions for critical parts identified for multi sourcing to eliminate single points of failure.
• Some technical aspects may be outside of your primary focus or expertise. A willingness to engage, learn and leverage other experts in these areas is highly valued.

Experimentation & Analysis

• Define and execute experiments to generate meaningful data supporting technical decisions
• Determine appropriate measurement methods and data needed to evaluate system performance
• Analyze experimental and simulation results to guide design, qualification, and troubleshooting

Technical Leadership

• Technically lead or contribute to complex system projects, including design reviews and qualification readiness
• Serve as a physics authority for complex system and application issues
• Support and influence product risk management, trade studies, and technical decision  making

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, algorithms, manufacturing, and applications teams
• Support customer and field escalations requiring deep physics expertise
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners as needed
• Strong collaboration with internal and external supply chain members and suppliers of components and technologies for our equipment.

Senior Level Scope

Influence long term technology and physics roadmaps

• Analyze competitor technologies and architectural approaches from a physics perspective
• Mentor and guide less ‑experienced physicists and engineers in the course of your work.
• Engage with customers, universities, and consortia on advanced technology topics

Qualifications

Education

• PhD or MS in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field

Technical Background

• Strong grounding in applied physics relevant to semiconductor equipment
• Experience applying physics to complex systems, not purely academic research
• Background in modeling, simulation, or analytical methods supporting system level decisions
• Experimental experience defining measurements and interpreting physical data

Experience

• Mid‑level roles: Demonstrated experience applying physics in an industrial or applied R&D environment

Additional Information

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Relocation Eligible:

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.