Senior Systems Engineer – Laser Integration & Applications (Advanced Substrates)

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$120,000.00 - $165,000.00

Location:

Austin,TX, 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.

As a Systems Engineer, you’ll design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced solutions to intricate processes and writing system specifications. You’ll be responsible for analyzing requirements, defining system architectures, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally, you’ll identify and mitigate risks, confirming that our systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. The Photonics Platform Business develops next‑generation Substrate‑level processing solutions for advanced materials and device architectures.

We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer – Laser Integration & Applications to lead the integration and optimization of laser‑based processes within capital manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on laser processing of transparent substrates.

The successful candidate will be responsible for laser system integration, application understanding, and system‑level optimization to deliver high‑performance, production‑ready tools.

This role does not involve the design or development of laser sources.
Instead, it requires expertise in integrating commercial laser systems into complex equipment and optimizing overall system performance.

Key Responsibilities

Laser System Integration

• Integrate commercial laser sources (UV, visible, IR, short‑pulse) into automated processing tools
• Collaborate with laser and optics vendors to define system requirements and ensure optimal performance
• Architect laser subsystems including beam delivery, optics, motion coordination, and safety integration

Applications & Process Optimization

• Develop a deep understanding of laser to substrate material interactions.
• Define and optimize process windows for:
  • Substrate marking and serialization
  • Laser‑based separation and singulation
• Tune parameters such as pulse energy, repetition rate, scan speed, and focus depth to achieve:
  • High yield
  • Minimal damage
  • Consistent performance

System‑Level Engineering

• Drive end‑to‑end system optimization across:
  • Laser performance
  • Precision motion systems
  • Substrate handling and fixturing
  • Vision alignment and inspection
• Identify and resolve system‑level issues affecting throughput, stability, and process quality

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as the laser subject‑matter expert within a multidisciplinary engineering team
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and process teams
• Support integration, validation, and release of new tools and upgrades

Qualification & Customer Support

• Define and execute validation plans for laser processes and system performance
• Support NPI, beta tools, and customer engagements
• Lead root‑cause analysis and resolution of field issues related to laser processing

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in:
  • Laser applications
  • Laser system integration
  • Automated precision manufacturing equipment
• Hands‑on experience integrating commercial laser systems into automated equipment
• Strong understanding of laser–material interaction for brittle or transparent materials
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced transparent substrates
• Experience with laser‑based singulation methods (e.g., ablation, grooving, internal modification)
• Automated capital equipment background (NPI, CIP, or HVM support)
• Experience working with customers in production or field environments
• Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical discipline

Key Skills & Competencies

• System‑level thinking and multidisciplinary engineering integration
• Laser applications and process optimization (non‑R&D focus)
• Precision motion and laser synchronization
• Analytical problem solving and root‑cause analysis
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration

Travel

• Up to 10–20%, including customer sites and internal development locations

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

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 addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.