Systems Engineering Lead – Optical Metrology & Inspection

About the role

Applied Materials is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Lead to head a multidisciplinary team developing advanced optical metrology and inspection systems for semiconductor manufacturing. The role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership and program execution, covering architecture definition, prototype development, system integration, validation, manufacturing transfer and customer deployment. It works closely with Marketing, Product Management, R&D, Operations, OEM vendors and executive leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering team on complex projects spanning optics, physics, mechanics, electronics, algorithms and software.
• Drive system architecture, requirement breakdown, trade-off analysis, error budgets and technical decisions.
• Chair architecture reviews and technical brainstorming sessions to down-select system concepts.
• Translate customer and product requirements into system specifications and verification plans.
• Lead system integration, optical setup, alignment, calibration, debug and performance optimization.
• Define and run characterization experiments, performance validation and design verification tests.
• Support NPI, manufacturing transfer, system qualification and field deployment.
• Manage multiple concurrent programs, tracking cost, schedule, technical performance and quality, and interface with executive leadership on status and risks.
• Partner with OEM vendors and suppliers to qualify subsystems and manage escalations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, IP protection, safety requirements, ISO processes and regulatory standards.

Required profile

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical, Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years in complex optical system development, including optical metrology and inspection systems for semiconductor manufacturing.
• 3+ years of engineering management or technical leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience managing OEM vendors, suppliers and external development partners.

Required skills

• Systems engineering processes: requirements management, system architecture, risk analysis, verification methodologies.
• Hands-on optical system integration, alignment, calibration and troubleshooting.
• Cross-functional knowledge of optics, mechanics, electronics, software, controls and algorithms.
• Strong communication, organization and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred: knowledge of optical metrology performance metrics, system qualification, reliability testing, manufacturing transfer, field deployment, SEMI standards, ISO processes and safety regulations, and a track record of technical innovation (patents, publications).

What we offer

• Salary of $176,000 to $242,000, depending on location, hire grade, knowledge, skills and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, with possible eligibility for a bonus and stock award program.
• Relocation eligible.