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Physicist/Scientist - FEP Chamber Optics Engineer (E3)

Applied Materials
September 30, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Santa Clara, California, United States
$138,000 - $190,000 USD yearly
Device Engineering Jobs, Level - Entry or Early Career

Job Title

Physicist/Scientist - FEP Chamber Optics Engineer (E3)

Role Summary

Join the Front End Products Business Unit to design and integrate optical systems for semiconductor annealing tools, focusing on wafer heating and temperature measurement. Work with cross-functional teams and suppliers to develop hardware prototypes, validate measurement performance, and transfer solutions into products.

Position involves lab work, data analysis, and up to 10% travel for supplier or customer engagements.

Experience Level

Entry-level - targeted at new college graduates (early career). Suitable for recent MS graduates; PhD is preferred.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include experimental development, data analysis, and integration of optical systems into tools.

  • Design and build lab-bench experiments to evaluate optical concepts and prototype hardware for annealing tools.
  • Collect, analyze, and present data to multi-disciplinary teams to assess performance versus existing solutions.
  • Analyze tool sensors and wafer data to troubleshoot and improve tool performance.
  • Define performance specifications and testing protocols with optical suppliers for critical assemblies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and process teams to integrate optical systems into final products.
  • Support imaging and optical metrology problem-solving across the business unit.

Requirements

Must-have:

  • Strong understanding of optical theory, design principles, and optical metrology techniques.
  • Experience with optical design software (Zemax or CODEV).
  • Experience with non-sequential raytracing tools (Zemax or LightTools).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and effective verbal and written communication and presentation abilities.

Nice-to-have:

  • Hands-on experience with optical testing, alignment, metrology, and imaging equipment.
  • Data analysis using MATLAB, Python, or Mathematica.
  • Experience with non-contact temperature measurement and operating high-power lasers.
  • Experience with laboratory automation software such as LabVIEW or Python-based automation.
  • Knowledge of optical materials and coatings, experience working with optical suppliers, and publications or patents in optics.

Education Requirements

Master of Science (MS) in Physics, Applied Optics, or Optical Engineering required; PhD preferred. (No alternative "equivalent experience" language specified.)


About the Company

Company: Applied Materials

Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Global leader in materials engineering solutions for the semiconductor and display industries, designing, manufacturing, and servicing equipment used to produce chips and advanced displays worldwide. Enables customers' production of semiconductor devices and display technologies and supports innovations like AI and IoT.

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Date Posted: 2026-09-29