Summer 2027 Physicist/Scientist PhD Internship

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking PhD‑level interns for the summer of 2027 to join its Silicon Product Group in Santa Clara. Interns will work on forward‑looking research and development of plasma processing tools, focusing on atomic‑scale physics and machine‑learning‑accelerated modeling.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and apply plasma and surface‑physics models to understand cutting‑edge etch and deposition experiments.
• Use molecular dynamics and density functional theory to study fundamental processes at plasma‑exposed surfaces.
• Explore machine‑learning methods to speed up 2‑D and 3‑D plasma and feature‑scale model development.

Required profile

• Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a related field.
• In good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Required skills

• Computational physics
• Plasma physics
• Molecular dynamics
• Plasma chemistry
• Surface physics
• Density functional theory
• Reacting flows
• Fluid dynamics
• Machine‑learning applications

What we offer

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Comprehensive health, wellbeing, and benefits programs, with eligibility for bonuses and stock awards.