Algorithm Developer III (AI/ML, Physics, Semiconductor Manufacturing)

About the role

Rocket, a team within Applied Materials focused on rapid innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, is looking for an Algorithm Developer III in Santa Clara. The role sits at the intersection of AI/ML, theoretical physics and systems engineering, driving next-generation solutions for high-impact semiconductor manufacturing. It involves building automated systems that ingest data from thousands of sensors, identify physics-based relationships and build predictive and control models using first-principles physics combined with machine learning, including physics-informed neural networks.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable data pipelines to collect, process and analyze high-volume sensor data from semiconductor manufacturing systems.
• Identify and model the physical relationships governing complex process behavior.
• Develop predictive and control algorithms combining traditional physics-based methods and machine learning.
• Build robust, maintainable software modules that integrate with real-world manufacturing tools and systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning physics, engineering, software development and data science.
• Contribute to intelligent automation solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Develop ML surrogates or reduced-order models based on physics simulations, within project budgets and schedules.
• Analyze large amounts of sensor and metrology data and iteratively improve simulation and models.
• Implement models and code for user-facing applications, control systems or dashboards, and keep the codebase clean and extendable.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Chemistry, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline; or a Master's degree with at least 2 years of relevant industry or research experience.
• Deep expertise in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, computational science or simulation-driven engineering.
• Working knowledge of machine learning, data science and statistical modeling.
• Strong software engineering skills, able to turn complex algorithms into clean, scalable, production-ready code.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and solve ambiguous, complex technical problems.

Preferred qualifications

• High-quality, maintainable code shown through GitHub repositories, open-source contributions or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with CAE, engineering simulation, physical modeling or complex system analysis.
• Experience applying machine learning to scientific, engineering or industrial problems.
• Interest in sensors, instrumentation, hardware systems, robotics or similar technologies.

What we offer

• Salary of $161,000 to $221,000.
• Full-time position, with travel of about 10% of the time and relocation eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package, with possible bonus and stock award participation.