New College Grad Physicist/Scientist (PhD - Santa Clara, CA_

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.

Salary: $138,000.00 - $190,000.00 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 .

Summary Conducts scientific research and technology development in photonics, optics, optical metrology, and electromagnetic systems. Applies physics-based principles, modeling, simulation, and experimental methods to develop innovative optical solutions, improve system performance, and enable next-generation products.

Design, develop, and characterize optical and photonic systems, components, and architectures. Perform modeling and simulation of optical, electromagnetic, and photonic phenomena. Design and execute experiments to validate theoretical predictions and system performance. Analyze experimental and measurement data to identify performance limitations and optimization opportunities. Develop novel optical metrology and sensing approaches. Collaborate with hardware, software, systems, and product engineering teams to integrate optical technologies into products. Drive technology innovation through invention disclosures, patent generation, and technical leadership. Communicate technical findings through reports, presentations, and design reviews. Engage with academic, industrial, and research partners on advanced technology development. Typical Technical Areas Integrated photonics Silicon photonics Optical metrology Interferometry Optical imaging systems Fiber optics and optical communications Laser systems and beam delivery Electromagnetic modeling and simulation Computational optics Optical sensing and instrumentation Nanophotonics and plasmonics Machine learning for optical system design and analysis Qualifications Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field. Strong background in optics, electromagnetics, or photonics. Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Lumerical, COMSOL, FDTD/FEM platforms). Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis. Demonstrated ability to translate scientific concepts into practical engineering solutions. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. Success Measures Innovation and technical contributions to optical technologies. Performance improvements in photonic systems and measurement capabilities. Quality and rigor of scientific investigations. Intellectual property generation and technical leadership. Effectiveness in cross-disciplinary collaboration and product impact.

Time Type: Full time Employee Type: New College Grad Travel: Not Specified Relocation Eligible: Yes The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In