Optical System Engineer-Director
Applied Materials
- Location
- Santa Clara,CA
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Staff
- Salary
- $201.5k – $277k/yr
- H-1B history
- 125 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Sep 16, 2026
About this role
Who We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary: $201,500.00 - $277,000.00 Location: Santa Clara,CA You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits .
Key Responsibilities
Develop and/ion execute engineering projects and spearhead research and development of forefront and next generation technologies. Identifies high value problems and leads teams towards technical solutions Lead and/or develop, and executes unusually complex system projects. Spearheads research and development leading to the development of new systems. Partitions complex problems into manageable subdivisions Recommends and implements solutions to a wide range of unusually complex problems. Function as a thought leader for physics/scientists issues, while influencing and utilizing expertise in interfacing with external and internal customers, lead and/or develop and execute the most complex system projects, advanced troubleshooting system problems which may include development and/or implementation of new methods or principles, and defining system specifications and schedules. Regularly interacts with senior managers on matters involving latest and next generation product technologies, as well as other company business units or customers concerning projects, operations and schedules. Interactions require the ability to change thinking or gain the acceptance of others in sensitive situations. Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to recommend corrections in technical applications and analysis. Develops new intellectual property, submits invention disclosures and assists in the drafting of patent applications Establishes and defines; the theoretical basis and principles that should apply, the empirical test procedure to be used, the development schedule, and the material and human resources necessary to conduct new product development projects, . Direct efforts of the technical staff, and mentor senior project members Perform as internal technical consultant to Sr. Operations and Technical Management, and other company organizations or business units in the areas of new technologies and analysis of competing technology. Evaluate new technologies. Plan and execute complex feasibility studies of new technologies and lead the decision making process. Prepare and deliver papers regarding new technologies, share and promote new ideas and capabilities. Functional Knowledge Recognized as “guru” or external expert in a function Demonstrates broad and comprehensive expertise in leading-edge theories, techniques and/or technologies within own field Business Expertise Influences internal/external business and/or regulatory issues that have an impact on the business Leadership Leads highly visible multidisciplinary project teams or initiatives; provides thought leadership Problem Solving Proactively identifies and solves the most complex problems; uses ground-breaking methods to think