Applied Materials, Inc

Physicist/Scientist- X-Ray Source Modeling

Applied Materials, Inc • $120K — $165K *
Benicia, CA 94510In-Person
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in physics, applied physics, or related fields with 5+ years of simulation experience.
  • Expertise in charged particle optics, thermal analysis, or X-ray generation.
  • Proficiency in finite element methods and knowledge of other numerical approaches.
  • Experience with multiphysics tools like COMSOL or ANSYS, using scripting interfaces.
  • Strong coding skills in Python, C, or C++ for data processing.
  • Habitual use of version control in projects.
  • Proven track record of reconciling model predictions with experimental measurements.

Responsibilities

  • Simulate electron optics and related phenomena across realistic geometries.
  • Develop coupled electrothermal models for beam power deposition and thermal behavior.
  • Model X-ray generation and transport, including emission yields and detector response.
  • Assess and communicate uncertainty in simulations with rigorous methods.
  • Design and interpret experiments to validate modeling predictions.
  • Translate sensitivity analysis into practical design and manufacturing decisions.
  • Script simulation workflows to ensure reproducibility and usability.
  • Mentor junior team members in best modeling practices.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package offered.
  • Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.
  • Opportunity for travel up to 10% of the time.
Full Job Description
Role summary

Own the physics modeling that sets the performance limits of our X-ray sources: electron optics from cathode to target, thermal behavior of components under high electrical power density, and X-ray generation and transport through to the detector. You will be the person the team trusts to say what a design will do before it is built, and to say how confident you are.

Responsibilities
  • Simulate electron optics end to end: thermionic emission, space-charge-limited transport, focusing and aberration, deflection, and spot formation in realistic geometry with realistic applied fields.
  • Build coupled electrothermal models of beam power deposition on targets, apertures, and grids: conjugate heat transfer, radiative exchange, transient and duty-cycled loading, thermally driven distortion, and the feedback of that distortion onto beam and spot performance.
  • Model X-ray generation and transport: bremsstrahlung and characteristic emission yield from transmission and reflection targets, self-absorption in target and substrate, spectral shaping by filtration and windows, downstream optics, and detector response.
  • Quantify and communicate uncertainty: convergence and mesh studies, sensitivity to material property data and geometric tolerance, and an explicit statement of what each model can and cannot predict.
  • Design the experiments that test the models. Identify which measurable actually discriminates between competing hypotheses, then work with the lab to execute and interpret.
  • Translate sensitivity results into design and manufacturing decisions: drawing tolerances, alignment budgets, process windows.
  • Script and version simulation workflows so parametric studies are reproducible and re-runnable by someone else.
  • Contribute to technical customer engagements
  • Mentor junior physicists and engineers in modeling practice, including the habit of validating before believing.


Required
  • MS or PhD in physics, applied physics, EE, ME, nuclear engineering, or a related field, plus roughly 5+ years applying simulation to physical hardware.
  • Demonstrated ownership of at least two of: charged particle optics, thermal and structural analysis materials under high thermal load, X-ray generation and optics.
  • Fluency in finite element methods and their limits, plus working knowledge of at least one other relevant numerical approach: boundary element, particle-in-cell, Monte Carlo radiation transport, or ray tracing.
  • Multiphysics tools (COMSOL, Opera, CST, ANSYS, Lorentz, FEniCS, or comparable), driven through their scripting interfaces rather than the GUI alone.
  • Python, C, or C++ for pre- and post-processing, data reduction, and optimization loops.
  • Version control as a default habit.
  • A track record of comparing model to measurement, finding them in disagreement, and diagnosing why.


Preferred
  • Monte Carlo radiation transport (Geant4/TOPAS, PENELOPE, EGSnrc) for electron-target interaction, spectrum, and dose.
  • X-ray optics simulation (SHADOW/OASYS, XRT, McXtrace, SRW) and dynamical diffraction calculation for crystal optics.
  • Cathode and emission physics: dispenser cathodes, LaB3 or CeB6, field emission, lifetime and poisoning mechanisms.
  • High-vacuum practice: outgassing, thermal management across brazed and welded joints, contact conductance, high-voltage holdoff and breakdown.
  • Adjacent-field background: accelerator or beamline physics, electron microscopy, vacuum electronics (TWT, klystron, magnetron), medical or industrial X-ray tubes, e-beam lithography, semiconductor metrology.
  • Design of experiments, numerical optimization, surrogate or reduced-order modeling.
  • Comfort working from mechanical CAD, including defeaturing and model prep.


Business Expertise
  • Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others


Leadership
  • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements


Problem Solving
  • Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information


Impact
  • Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies


Interpersonal Skills
  • Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus


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.

SEARCH APPLIED MATERIALS JOBS

--- 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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