System Engineer – Material Characterization (PhD)

About the role

Join a leading semiconductor equipment company as a System Engineer focused on material characterization. You will develop original technical concepts for material discrimination and turn them into world‑leading inspection and metrology products while working in a supportive, learning‑oriented environment.

Key responsibilities

• Survey and evaluate optical and sensor‑based material‑characterization methods such as fluorescence, hyperspectral, polarization imaging, FTIR, SIMS/DART/DESI, and LIBS.
• Develop analytical and numerical models (physics theory, FDTD/RCWA, ray‑trace or wave‑optics simulations) to predict sensitivity and discrimination capability.
• Build and align benchtop optical setups, generate structured experimental results and analyze data with Python and MATLAB.
• Create decision matrices to rank candidate approaches based on feasibility, performance, integration complexity and risk.
• Generate system requirements and work with cross‑functional teams (OE, ME, EE, SW, Algo) to turn concepts into functional prototypes.
• Act as technical project manager to meet performance, schedule and cost targets, and develop test plans, calibration routines and diagnostic protocols.

Required profile

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, Optical Engineering or Material Sciences with experience in material characterization.
• Strong academic background in physics, optics or engineering fundamentals and theoretical understanding of material‑science methods.
• Hands‑on lab experience through coursework, internships, personal projects or research.
• Analytical, methodical problem‑solving approach and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills

• Python programming
• MATLAB
• FDTD and RCWA simulation tools
• Ray‑trace or wave‑optics simulation
• Experience with FTIR, SIMS/DART/DESI, LIBS, hyperspectral, fluorescence and polarization imaging
• Use of AI/ML techniques for data analysis

What we offer

• Salary range $138,000 – $190,000 per year
• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, experimentation and professional growth
• Comprehensive benefits program focused on health, wellbeing and work‑life balance