Director, Physicist/Scientist - Lasers

About the role

Applied Materials, a global leader in materials science and engineering solutions for semiconductors and advanced displays, is hiring a Director, Physicist/Scientist - Lasers in Santa Clara, CA. The role leads laser and optics technology strategy, new product development and installed base support, and manages external engineering partners and suppliers. It reports to a direct report in a matrix team and acts as a recognized company expert in laser annealing and optical systems.

Key responsibilities

• Define long-term laser and optics technology roadmaps and emerging technologies, set technical investment priorities and drive make-versus-buy decisions
• Lead development of next-generation laser annealing platforms, including high-power laser subsystems, beam shaping optics, optical delivery, wafer temperature metrology, pyrometry, optical sensing, diagnostics, safety and stray-light management
• Drive proof-of-concept demonstrations, technical risk assessments and architecture trade studies
• Own the technical strategy for released products, run continuous improvement programs (productivity, reliability, availability, cost, serviceability, yield, process performance), lead root-cause investigations and develop corrective and preventive actions
• Serve as executive technical interface to laser manufacturers, optical suppliers, coating vendors and metrology suppliers, manage supplier roadmaps, qualification and sourcing, and lead supplier reviews and joint development
• Direct third-party engineering partners, define statements of work and lead requirements, concept, preliminary design, critical design and qualification reviews
• Develop fiber, diode and beam delivery laser systems, beam shaping optics, diffractive and refractive optical elements, homogenizers, polarization control, optical coatings, stray-light mitigation, in-situ diagnostics and wafer temperature measurement systems
• Engage with strategic semiconductor customers, support executive customer reviews and technical escalations
• Champion invention disclosures and patents, build IP portfolios in laser processing, optics, metrology and thermal processing, and lead technical due diligence for acquisitions and partnerships
• Mentor physicists, optical engineers, systems engineers and technologists, establish technical standards and influence the laser annealing roadmap

Required profile

• Experience with laser annealing, laser spike annealing or millisecond annealing systems
• Experience with high-power (kW-class) lasers and advanced optical system design for high-power lasers
• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment, laser safety systems, wafer temperature metrology and pyrometry
• Experience with strategic supplier management and managing an outsourced engineering development team

What we offer

• Salary of $210,000 to $289,000, depending on location, hire grade, knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity
• Comprehensive benefits package, with possible eligibility for a bonus and stock award program
• Supportive work culture encouraging learning and career growth
• 10% travel and relocation eligibility