Director, RF Systems Engineering

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:

$206,000.00 - $283,500.00

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. 

Position Summary 

We are seeking an accomplished Director, RF Systems Engineering to lead the development, integration, optimization, and strategic direction of advanced RF power delivery systems used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep expertise in RF engineering, plasma processing, and system-level design, combined with the ability to lead technical organizations and drive complex engineering initiatives from concept through production.

The successful candidate will serve as the organization's technical authority in RF technologies, collaborating across electrical, mechanical, software, ECAT communication, process, manufacturing, and product engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that improve system performance, reliability, and customer value. This position combines technical leadership, organizational leadership, technology strategy, supplier engagement, and customer interaction.

Key Responsibilities 

RF System Design & Development 

• Lead the technical vision, development, integration, and qualification of advanced RF subsystems and technologies, including:

• RF generators 

• Matching networks 

• RF filters 

• RF diagnostics and sensors 

• ICP source designs 

• RF transmission and power distribution systems 

• Establish long-term RF technology roadmaps aligned with product and business objectives. 

• Drive development of next-generation RF architectures, platforms, and system capabilities.

• Define system requirements, performance targets, design standards, and engineering best practices.

• Provide executive-level technical guidance for new product development, product enhancements, and strategic technology investments.

Plasma and RF Performance Optimization 

• Partner with technology, productivity, and process engineering teams to advance understanding of RF-plasma interactions and improve system performance.

• Analyze and optimize:  

• Plasma ignition characteristics 

• RF coupling efficiency 

• Process uniformity 

• Chamber-to-chamber matching 

• Wafer-to-wafer repeatability 

• Guide development and implementation of advanced RF control strategies for next-generation semiconductor process requirements.

System Integration & Troubleshooting 

• Provide leadership for RF system integration across semiconductor processing platforms.

• Oversee supplier selection, technical evaluations, and strategic technology partnerships.

• Lead resolution of complex RF, electrical, and plasma-related issues impacting product development, manufacturing, or customer operations.

• Drive root-cause investigations using experimental data, simulation tools, and engineering analysis.

• Partner with software engineering teams to ensure effective hardware-software integration and advanced system control.

Innovation & Technology Development 

• Evaluate emerging RF technologies, industry trends, and competitive solutions. 

• Drive innovation through development of new concepts, architectures, and system capabilities. 

• Sponsor proof-of-concept activities and technical investigations supporting long-term technology roadmaps.

• Present technology strategies, technical findings, and business recommendations to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.

Technical Leadership 

• Serve as the senior subject matter expert for RF Engineering within the organization.

• Lead, mentor, and develop RF engineering talent through coaching, succession planning, and career development.

• Drive execution of complex cross-functional engineering programs.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with 15+ years of relevant industry experience; or 

• Master's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience; or 

• PhD with 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or related capital equipment development. 

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

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.