Software Engineer

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

Salary:

$179,500.00 - $246,500.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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 Software Engineer at Applied Materials, you’ll dive deep into ground-breaking technologies—like machine learning and AI—to craft novel software solutions that solve our customers’ high-value problems. Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging software solutions for semiconductor equipment components and devices to ensure quality and functionality. You'll develop software documentation and test procedures, troubleshoot software problems, and communicate with internal customers to understand project requirements. As part of our team, you'll contribute your expertise in intricate systems, deciphering code, and anticipating software behaviors to ensure Applied remains the leader in the semiconductor and display sectors.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly capable and driven Software Engineer with a strong instrumentation background to serve as the Technical Lead for the Software Platform of our wafer processing tool. In this role, you will architect, implement, and deliver the full software stack that controls a subsystem and integrates it into the main system. You will work cross functionally with mechanical, electrical, and supplier teams to deliver a production ready solution under aggressive timelines.

This is a high-ownership, high-impact role for someone who wants to lead a major subsystem from concept through release.

Key Responsibilities

Full-Stack Software Ownership

• Design and implement all software components required for equipment control, including:
  • Chamber subsystems (motion, sensors, safety, I/O)
  • Wafer handling coordination
  • Recipe interface and execution logic
  • API and communication interfaces to the main frame of semiconductor processing equipment
• Build a complete standalone subsystem software framework capable of operating independently and integrating tightly with the main system.

2. Architecture & Infrastructure

• Architect software running on a dedicated subsystem server, including:
  • Real‑time communication over EtherCAT port
  • Integration with safety circuits provided by vendors
• Implement robust, maintainable APIs for communication with the main framework.

• Implement reliable communication channels including but not limited to:
  • Device synchronization
  • Recipe handling
  • Error and safety signaling
  • Wafer handling coordination
  • Data transfer
  • System status monitor and logging

3. Supplier Collaboration

• Act as the primary software technical contact for suppliers and coordinate engineering efforts with suppliers’ software team  
• Produce high quality architecture documents, interface specifications, and integration guides.

4. Technical Leadership

• Serve as the software technical lead for the team:
  • Shape and drive design decisions across ME, EE, and SW
  • Establish software standards, architecture direction, and code quality
  • Coordinate integration with system engineering
  • Mentor and support other contributors
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering teams, who will remain dedicated partners throughout the project.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS+ in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science or related disciplines.
• 5+ years hands-on experience with instrumentation
• Mastery on C#, modern C++ and Python
• Production level experience with EtherCAT, motion control and configuring safety logics
• Extensive software architecture design and project management skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering groups
• Experience in the field of semiconductor/automation equipment control or robotics
• Familiarity with optical imaging systems
• Familiarity with FPGA programming

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Not Specified

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.

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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. 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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.