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Optical Engineer III - New College Grad - Doctorate (Santa Clara, CA)

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Job ID: R2517923
Date posted: 10/31/2025
Location: Santa Clara, California
Category: Engineering

Join the Engineered Optics group at Applied Materials, where you’ll help shape the future of optical technology for both augmented reality displays and next generation packaged optics for data center networks. Our team is uniquely positioned at the intersection of fundamental materials innovation and advanced hardware engineering, competing with the world’s leading technology companies.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and model nano/micro photonic structures for advanced optical applications.
Develop new optical metrology techniques for display-related projects.
Set up and optimize customized optical inspection tools.
Lead or support small projects with moderate risks and resources.
Collaborate across teams to integrate best practices and differentiate solutions in the market.
Solve complex technical challenges and apply new perspectives to existing solutions.
Build consensus and communicate technical information effectively, even when sensitive or complex.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have or soon possess a PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Available to start within 3 months, ideally no later than January 2026
Hands-on experience with optical mechanics and free-space optics setups.
Skilled in Python or Matlab for image analysis and hardware control.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

0-2 years of industrial experience in optical design and metrology.
Proficient in using optical design software (e.g., Zemax, LightTools).
Experience with optical display systems and microscopy.
Track record of successful project leadership or mentoring less-experienced colleagues.
Knowledge of industry best practices and competitive differentiators in optics.
Ability to integrate technical solutions across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Education:

Doctorate Degree: Photonics and Optoelectronics, Master's Degree: Photonics and Optoelectronics

Skills

Certifications:

Languages:

Years of Experience:

4 - 7 Years

Work Experience:

Additional Information

Shift:

10-Day 8-Hr (United States of America)

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

U.S. Salary Range:

$138,000.00 - $190,000.00

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.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All 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.