Systems Engineer IV (E4)

Job Title

Systems Engineer IV (E4)

Role Summary

Lead design, integration, and optimization of complex optical systems for semiconductor inspection and metrology tools. Work with cross-functional teams (optical, mechanical, electrical, software, algorithms, program management) to convert requirements into system architectures, validate designs, and ensure successful subsystem and system integration.

Responsible for system requirements, conceptual optical design, test plans, risk mitigation, supplier development, and technical leadership to deliver products on schedule and within cost targets.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical experience range: 5–15 years in optical systems or semiconductor capital equipment engineering.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead multi-discipline teams to deliver critical modules and subsystems for next-generation inspection/metrology tools.
• Translate market and program requirements into high-level and detailed system requirements and architectures.
• Develop conceptual optical designs, light/error budgets, and validate performance using analysis and lab testing.
• Drive novel technical solutions and troubleshoot complex optical, mechanical, and electrical problems.
• Manage schedule and cost as a technical project lead within a semi-matrix organization.
• Prepare and conduct system design reviews and provide clear documentation and presentations.
• Develop vendors/suppliers for optical components and oversee procurement and qualification.
• Design, construct, and calibrate optical/opto-mechanical test benches; develop test plans and procedures.
• Support system integration during assembly and final testing; transfer engineering knowledge to manufacturing, reliability, and service teams.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience; nice-to-have items noted.

• Must-have: 5–15 years of relevant industry experience, ideally in semiconductor capital equipment.
• Must-have: Theoretical and practical knowledge of optical physics and systems engineering.
• Must-have: Experience with optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax or Code V, and scripting/analysis in Python or MATLAB.
• Must-have: Experimental lab skills and hands-on engineering for optical and opto-mechanical systems; ability to build and calibrate test benches.
• Must-have: Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and act as a technical project lead.
• Must-have: Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to create clear diagrams, scorecards, and documentation.
• Nice-to-have: DUV and imaging optics experience; familiarity with alignment tooling and advanced metrology techniques.
• Nice-to-have: Experience developing and qualifying suppliers for optical components.
• Travel: up to ~10% expected.

Education Requirements

MS or PhD in Optical Physics, Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

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.