Physicist/Scientist – X‑Ray Source Modeling

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking a physicist/scientist to lead the physics modeling of its X‑ray sources. You will define performance limits for electron optics, thermal behavior, and X‑ray generation, providing predictive insight before hardware is built.

Key responsibilities

• Simulate end‑to‑end electron optics, including thermionic emission, space‑charge transport, focusing, deflection and spot formation in realistic geometries.
• Develop coupled electro‑thermal models of beam power deposition on targets, apertures and grids, accounting for heat transfer, radiation and transient loading.
• Model X‑ray generation and transport, covering bremsstrahlung, characteristic emission, self‑absorption, spectral shaping and detector response.
• Quantify uncertainty through convergence studies, sensitivity analysis and explicit model limitation statements.
• Design and execute experiments to validate models and translate results into design and manufacturing decisions.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical customer engagements.

Required profile

• MS or PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical/mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering or related field.
• ~5+ years of experience applying simulation to physical hardware.
• Proven ownership of at least two areas: charged particle optics, high‑thermal‑load analysis, or X‑ray generation/optics.

Required skills

• Finite element analysis (COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, Opera, etc.) and at least one other numerical method (boundary element, particle‑in‑cell, Monte Carlo, ray tracing).
• Python, C or C++ for pre‑ and post‑processing, data reduction and optimization.
• Version‑control workflows (e.g., Git).
• Experience with Monte Carlo radiation transport tools (Geant4, TOPAS, PENELOPE, EGSnrc) and X‑ray optics simulation packages (SHADOW, OASYS, XRT, McXtrace, SRW).

What we offer

• Salary range $120,000 – $165,000 per year.
• Location in Benicia, CA with a supportive, innovative work culture.
• Comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.