Director, RF Systems Engineering

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials science and engineering solutions, crucial for new semiconductor chips and advanced displays. The equipment we create and service is essential for advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. We offer a supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth. We empower our team to push boundaries and learn every day in a leading global company. We are committed to providing programs and support for employee well-being and growth. 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.

Requirements

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.
Understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times.
Demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.