Systems Engineer III (E3) - Optics

About the role

Applied Materials is hiring a Systems Engineer III (E3) in Santa Clara, California, to support the product development of a complex, high-performance optical system. The role covers the product development cycle, from system specification, design support and prototyping to verification, validation, manufacturing, installation and field support. It requires solid technical knowledge of opto-mechanical systems (illumination, imaging optics and sensors) and the ability to work independently on defined technical problems within a multi-disciplinary, data-driven team.

Key responsibilities

• Help define the scope, constraints and risks for design, fabrication, test and volume production of optical subsystems (illumination, imaging optics, lens assemblies and imaging sensor channels).
• Derive specifications for optical subsystems, modules and components from customer and system requirements and give input to design engineers.
• Contribute to error budgets for optical performance (resolution/MTF, focus, alignment, throughput, stability) and help define subsystem-level requirements for validation during system alpha testing.
• Plan and execute optical alignment, calibration and characterization of subsystems and full-system builds, keeping accurate records.
• Define and run test plans for prototype acceptance and qualification of optical parts.
• Design and run experiments (DOE) to validate optical performance, assess risks and support concept and feasibility testing of roadmap hardware and software features.
• Troubleshoot optical and system-level issues in manufacturing and the field and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Develop and maintain optical test and metrology scripts and tooling for automated measurement of key performance metrics.
• Work with suppliers on critical optical sub-assemblies, support supplier quality activities and failure analysis of returned modules.
• Support manufacturing and customer site teams during install, qualification and production, developing build documentation, work instructions and BKMs.
• Write and present technical reports summarizing findings and recommending solutions.

Required profile

• BS, MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience with a BS, 0+ years with an MS or PhD.
• Hands-on experience assembling, aligning, calibrating and using opto-mechanical instrumentation or systems with light sources, optical sensors, lenses, filters and cameras.
• Solid understanding of geometric and physical optics, imaging, illumination and optical metrology fundamentals.
• Experience designing and running test plans and feasibility studies, and strong troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, optical prescriptions and schematics.

Required skills

• Optical test and measurement equipment (power meters, spectrometers, interferometers, beam profilers, alignment tools)
• Data analysis and visualization; Python or Matlab scripting
• Preferred: optical modeling and simulation (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V), imaging systems, high-speed or line-scan cameras, laser-based systems, image processing, SW automation and AI tools, semiconductor equipment experience, cleanroom and ESD practices, and documentation support (procedures, OMS, BKMs)

What we offer

• Salary of $138,000 to $190,000.
• Comprehensive benefits package, with possible eligibility for a bonus and stock award program.
• Full-time position; travel of about 20% of the time; relocation not eligible.