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. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD-level scientist or engineer to develop and apply advanced modeling capabilities for plasma processing applications, including plasma etching, plasma-enhanced deposition, and atomic layer etching (ALE). This role focuses on understanding, modeling, and predicting plasma–surface interaction processes using a combination of physics-based methods and data-driven approaches.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with atomistic and mesoscale modeling techniques such as ab initio quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics (MD), and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC). In addition, the candidate will be expected to develop and deploy machine learning (ML) models trained on data generated from large-scale, multi-dimensional high-performance computing (HPC) simulations, complemented by experimental measurements.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of first-principles modeling, large-scale simulation, and modern AI/ML methods, contributing directly to accelerated technology and product development in the fast-paced semiconductor equipment industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced models for plasma etching, deposition, and plasma-based surface modification processes

• Combine physics-based and ML-driven approaches to improve process understanding and predictive capability

• Collaborate closely with experimental teams to guide process development and interpret new experimental results

• Contribute to the development, validation, and maintenance of internal software tools, modeling frameworks, and best practices

• Communicate modeling results clearly and effectively to multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, and major customers

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply by October 30th, 2026. Note: This position may close early based on application volume or candidate selection. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a PhD in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Materials, Mechanical) or Science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry) or a related field

• Demonstrated experience modeling plasma–surface or gas–surface interaction processes using ab initio quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and/or kinetic Monte Carlo methods

• Strong background in machine learning, particularly in the context of scientific computing or HPC environments

• Experience working with large, complex simulation datasets and integrating modeling results with experimental data

 

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

New College Grad

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.