Director, Physicist/Scientist - Lasers

Who We AreApplied 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 OfferSalary:$210,000.00 - $289,000.00Location:Santa Clara,CAYou’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.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnology Strategy & VisionDefine long-term laser and optics technology roadmaps supporting advanced logic, DRAM, power devices, specialty semiconductors, and advanced packaging.Identify emerging laser, optics, sensing, and thermal processing technologies that create competitive differentiation.Establish technical investment priorities aligned with customer and product roadmaps.Drive strategic make-versus-buy decisions for laser, optics, metrology, and subsystem technologies.New Product DevelopmentLead development of next-generation laser annealing platforms.Define system architectures for:High-power laser subsystemsBeam shaping and homogenization opticsOptical delivery systemsWafer temperature metrologyPyrometry systemsOptical sensing and diagnosticsLaser safety and stray-light managementDrive proof-of-concept demonstrations through production deployment.Lead technical risk assessments and architecture trade studies.Installed Base Support & Continuous Product Improvement (CIP)Own laser and optics technical strategy for currently released products.Drive continuous improvement programs focused on:ProductivityReliabilityAvailabilityCost reductionServiceabilityYield improvementProcess performanceLead root-cause investigations for critical field issues and customer escalations.Develop corrective and preventive actions for recurring product issues.Identify opportunities for hardware, software, and process upgrades across the installed base.Cross functional interfaces: Product Management, Process, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS/Laser Safety, and Customer Engineering.Supplier Management & Strategic PartnershipsServe as executive technical interface to laser manufacturers, optical suppliers, coating vendors, and metrology suppliers.Develop supplier technology roadmaps aligned with future product requirements.Evaluate supplier capabilities, technology readiness, and risk.Lead technical supplier reviews and joint development programs.Drive component performance, reliability, and cost improvements through supplier engagement.Support supplier qualification and sourcing decisions.Establish strategic partnerships that provide sustainable competitive advantage.External Engineering Partner LeadershipDirect and oversee third-party engineering services companies engaged in optical, laser, mechanical, controls, and systems development activities.Develop statements of work, technical requirements, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.Lead technical reviews including:Requirements reviewsConcept reviewsPreliminary Design Reviews (PDR)Critical Design Reviews (CDR)Qualification reviewsEnsure external developments meet performance, schedule, quality, and cost objectives.Coordinate activities across internal and external engineering teams.Provide technical leadership while maintaining accountability for final system performance.Laser & Optical Systems LeadershipLead development and optimization of:Fiber laser systemsDiode laser systemsBeam delivery systemsBeam shaping opticsDiffractive optical elements (DOE)Refractive optical elements (ROE)HomogenizersPolarization control systemsOptical coatingsStray-light mitigation systemsIn-situ optical diagnosticsWafer temperature measurement systemsCustomer & Business EngagementEngage directly with strategic semiconductor customers to understand future device and process requirements.Support executive customer reviews and technical roadmap discussions.Translate customer requirements into product and technology development plans.Provide technical leadership during customer escalations and critical issue resolution.Innovation & Intellectual PropertyGenerate and champion invention disclosures and patent filings.Build strategic intellectual property portfolios in laser processing, optics, metrology, and thermal processing.Lead technical due diligence activities related to acquisitions, partnerships, and technology evaluations.Publish and present technical work internally and externally when appropriate.Organizational LeadershipLeads direct report in a matrix team and managing external partners while providing technical leadershipMentor physicists, optical engineers, systems engineers, and technologists.Establish technical standards and best practices throughout the organization.Influence technical direction of laser annealing roadmap.Act as a recognized company expert in laser annealing and optical systems.Critical Success MetricsNew product introduction successInstalled-base reliability improvementsCustomer satisfaction and escalation closureLaser and optics cost-reduction achievementsSupplier technology and quality performancePatent generation and innovation impactThird-party development effectivenessTechnology roadmap development and executionTeam technical capability growthReliability/availability improvementQualification cycle-time reductionSupplier quality improvementPatents/patent disclosuresPreferred ExperienceLaser annealing, laser spike annealing, or millisecond annealing systemsHigh-power lasers (kW-class)Advanced optical system design for high power lasersSemiconductor capital equipmentLaser safety systemsWafer temperature metrology and pyrometryStrategic supplier managementManagement of outsourced engineering development team​Additional InformationTime Type:Full timeEmployee Type:Assignee / RegularTravel:Yes, 10% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:YesThe 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 , or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at , 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.SummaryLocation: Santa Clara,CAType: Full time