Applied Materials, Inc

Director, Physicist/Scientist - Lasers

Applied Materials, Inc • $210K — $289K *
Santa Clara, CA 95051In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years experience in laser and optics technology development.
  • Strong background in semiconductor manufacturing processes.
  • Proven expertise in product roadmap development and technology strategy.
  • Experience with high-power laser systems and associated safety standards.
  • Familiarity with optical system design and metrology applications.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive long-term technology roadmaps for lasers and optics.
  • Lead development and implementation of next-gen laser annealing platforms.
  • Manage installed base support and continuous improvement initiatives for products.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with suppliers and oversee their technology roadmaps.
  • Engage directly with customers to gather requirements and drive product development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
  • Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
  • Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
  • Professional development opportunities, including training and conferences.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Vision
  • Define long-term laser and optics technology roadmaps supporting advanced logic, DRAM, power devices, specialty semiconductors, and advanced packaging.
  • Identify emerging laser, optics, sensing, and thermal processing technologies that create competitive differentiation.
  • Establish technical investment priorities aligned with customer and product roadmaps.
  • Drive strategic make-versus-buy decisions for laser, optics, metrology, and subsystem technologies.


New Product Development
  • Lead development of next-generation laser annealing platforms.
  • Define system architectures for:
    • High-power laser subsystems
    • Beam shaping and homogenization optics
    • Optical delivery systems
    • Wafer temperature metrology
    • Pyrometry systems
    • Optical sensing and diagnostics
    • Laser safety and stray-light management
  • Drive proof-of-concept demonstrations through production deployment.
  • Lead technical risk assessments and architecture trade studies.


Installed Base Support & Continuous Product Improvement (CIP)
  • Own laser and optics technical strategy for currently released products.
  • Drive continuous improvement programs focused on:
    • Productivity
    • Reliability
    • Availability
    • Cost reduction
    • Serviceability
    • Yield improvement
    • Process performance
  • Lead root-cause investigations for critical field issues and customer escalations.
  • Develop corrective and preventive actions for recurring product issues.
  • Identify opportunities for hardware, software, and process upgrades across the installed base.
  • Cross functional interfaces: Product Management, Process, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS/Laser Safety, and Customer Engineering.


Supplier Management & Strategic Partnerships
  • Serve as executive technical interface to laser manufacturers, optical suppliers, coating vendors, and metrology suppliers.
  • Develop supplier technology roadmaps aligned with future product requirements.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities, technology readiness, and risk.
  • Lead technical supplier reviews and joint development programs.
  • Drive component performance, reliability, and cost improvements through supplier engagement.
  • Support supplier qualification and sourcing decisions.
  • Establish strategic partnerships that provide sustainable competitive advantage.


External Engineering Partner Leadership
  • Direct and oversee third-party engineering services companies engaged in optical, laser, mechanical, controls, and systems development activities.
  • Develop statements of work, technical requirements, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
  • Lead technical reviews including:
    • Requirements reviews
    • Concept reviews
    • Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR)
    • Critical Design Reviews (CDR)
    • Qualification reviews
  • Ensure external developments meet performance, schedule, quality, and cost objectives.
  • Coordinate activities across internal and external engineering teams.
  • Provide technical leadership while maintaining accountability for final system performance.


Laser & Optical Systems Leadership

Lead development and optimization of:
  • Fiber laser systems
  • Diode laser systems
  • Beam delivery systems
  • Beam shaping optics
  • Diffractive optical elements (DOE)
  • Refractive optical elements (ROE)
  • Homogenizers
  • Polarization control systems
  • Optical coatings
  • Stray-light mitigation systems
  • In-situ optical diagnostics
  • Wafer temperature measurement systems


Customer & Business Engagement
  • Engage directly with strategic semiconductor customers to understand future device and process requirements.
  • Support executive customer reviews and technical roadmap discussions.
  • Translate customer requirements into product and technology development plans.
  • Provide technical leadership during customer escalations and critical issue resolution.


Innovation & Intellectual Property
  • Generate and champion invention disclosures and patent filings.
  • Build strategic intellectual property portfolios in laser processing, optics, metrology, and thermal processing.
  • Lead technical due diligence activities related to acquisitions, partnerships, and technology evaluations.
  • Publish and present technical work internally and externally when appropriate.


Organizational Leadership
  • Leads direct report in a matrix team and managing external partners while providing technical leadership
  • Mentor physicists, optical engineers, systems engineers, and technologists.
  • Establish technical standards and best practices throughout the organization.
  • Influence technical direction of laser annealing roadmap.
  • Act as a recognized company expert in laser annealing and optical systems.


Critical Success Metrics
  • New product introduction success
  • Installed-base reliability improvements
  • Customer satisfaction and escalation closure
  • Laser and optics cost-reduction achievements
  • Supplier technology and quality performance
  • Patent generation and innovation impact
  • Third-party development effectiveness
  • Technology roadmap development and execution
  • Team technical capability growth
  • Reliability/availability improvement
  • Qualification cycle-time reduction
  • Supplier quality improvement
  • Patents/patent disclosures


Preferred Experience
  • Laser annealing, laser spike annealing, or millisecond annealing systems
  • High-power lasers (kW-class)
  • Advanced optical system design for high power lasers
  • Semiconductor capital equipment
  • Laser safety systems
  • Wafer temperature metrology and pyrometry
  • Strategic supplier management
  • Management of outsourced engineering development team


Additional Information

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular

Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time

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.

About Applied Materials, Inc

Applied Materials specialize in materials engineering solutions. They optimize equipment and fab operations through consulting, spare parts, services, and automation software. They also provide supply chain services from transactional spares through programs, rebuilds, and forecasted parts management. Their products and technologies include semiconductors, displays, roll web coating, solar, and automation software.

**Applied Materials, Inc. Careers**

Join the innovative world of Applied Materials, Inc., a leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our global team is driving innovation and growth in the industries we serve. This is where your expertise can make a true impact.

Work You’ll Do

At Applied Materials, Inc., you will be part of a company that prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and professional growth. As a member of our team, you will lead groundbreaking projects at the intersection of technology, leadership, and engineering excellence. We offer a variety of job opportunities that allow you to explore your potential and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. You will work alongside the brightest minds in the industry, utilizing your skills to contribute to projects that are not only exciting but also crucial for technological advancements. Our leadership is committed to providing you with the guidance and support needed to achieve your career goals.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you are looking for an internship, a full-time position, or leadership roles, Applied Materials, Inc. provides an array of career paths to help you achieve your professional aspirations. Our commitment to career growth is evident through extensive training programs and opportunities for advancement.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Applied Materials, Inc., we believe that diversity fuels innovation. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the global communities we serve. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance collaboration and foster an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a range of benefits that support both their professional and personal lives. From health and wellness programs to competitive retirement plans, we ensure that our team is taken care of. The culture at Applied Materials, Inc. is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at Applied Materials, Inc. and find the position that matches your skills and passions. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and ready to drive innovation in a dynamic industry.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights by joining our network. Engage with us on professional networking platforms and stay ahead in your career journey.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s dedicated to materializing the technologies of tomorrow. Discover the impact you can make at Applied Materials, Inc. and help us shape the future.

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--- This page for Applied Materials, Inc. Careers incorporates all the requested elements, maintaining the "Company Content Style" with a focus on innovation, career growth, and the dynamic team environment.
Learn more about Applied Materials, Inc
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$80.7 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$3.8 billion
Founded
1967
5 Year Trend
+11.9%
Revenue
$18.2 billion
NASDAQ
AMAT
* Ladders Estimates

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