System Integration Engineer, Optical III (E3)

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:

$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. 

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.  

System Integration Engineer

Experienced  |  E3

Department: Systems Engineering — IPC Fusion Program

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Travel: 25% domestic and international

Schedule: Flexible hours required to support lab builds and cross-timezone collaboration

SUMMARY

Join a high-performance team delivering a next-generation optical inspection system for the advanced semiconductor packaging market. As a System Integration Engineer on the IPC Fusion program, you will apply hands-on expertise to integrate, test, and support complex optical and electro-mechanical systems at every stage of the product lifecycle — from prototype build through manufacturing ramp and customer qualification. You bring practical experience from semiconductor equipment or precision instrumentation environments, a systematic approach to troubleshooting, and the ability to work both independently and as a key contributor within a multi-disciplinary engineering team. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role central to Fusion program delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Hands-on assembly, integration, and functional testing of complex optical and electro-mechanical subsystems.

·       Own and refine system test procedures, calibration routines, and diagnostic protocols; maintain accurate records.

·       Perform system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis independently; communicate findings clearly to engineering teams.

·       Support design verification and validation activities; provide practical feedback on design-for-build and design-for-test.

·       Develop and maintain build documentation, work instructions, and test procedures to support manufacturing ramp.

·       Identify and implement process improvements to enhance system reliability, build efficiency, and test coverage.

·       Provide technical guidance to junior team members and lab technicians on procedures and best practices.

·       Participate in on-site customer support, installation, and qualification activities (25% travel, domestic and international).

·       Maintain schedule flexibility to support lab builds, validation runs, and cross-timezone engineering collaboration.

EDUCATION

·       Associate's degree or BS in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical field — required.

·       Equivalent technical training combined with extensive hands-on experience will be considered.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

·       3+ years of hands-on experience with complex electro-mechanical or opto-mechanical systems; semiconductor equipment experience strongly preferred.

·       Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve system-level hardware issues independently and methodically.

·       Comfortable reading and interpreting engineering drawings, assembly schematics, and test procedures.

·       Familiarity with test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, power meters, spectrometers, alignment tools, etc.).

·       Experience working in or around cleanroom environments; awareness of ESD and contamination control practices.

·       Data collection and analysis skills; Python or MATLAB experience a plus.

·       Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to document issues and resolutions clearly.

·       Experience supporting a product through multiple development or production lifecycles is highly desirable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·       Experience with optical instrumentation, laser-based systems, or precision imaging equipment.

·       Background in calibration procedures, system metrology, or optical alignment.

·       Familiarity with manufacturing ramp, installation, or field service activities.

·       Experience working within a structured engineering team using change control and documentation systems.

·       Knowledge of SECS/GEM automation or fab integration concepts a plus.

·       Bilingual skills (Mandarin, Korean) a plus for customer-site collaboration.

Applied Materials is committed to diversity in its workforce including Equal Employment Opportunity for Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Candidates with experience bridging technician and engineering functions in a semiconductor equipment environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

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.