Mechanical Engineer IV

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

3d

About The Position

Applied Materials is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer IV (E4) to lead the design, development, qualification, and lifecycle improvement of PVD chamber hardware, vacuum subsystems, pedestals, electrostatic chucks (ESCs), process kits, and thermal management assemblies for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The position combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on semiconductor equipment experience and ownership of complex projects from concept through production release.

The engineer will apply knowledge of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve mechanical problems, design and implement custom tooling and processes, and support the handling, assembly, and disassembly of equipment components throughout the product lifecycle. The role includes developing mechanical layouts, schematics, and specifications; overseeing manufacturing and installation processes; and coordinating procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment.

The role independently drives complex engineering programs, leads cross-disciplinary technical problem solving, influences design decisions, and communicates with customers, suppliers, and senior leadership. It is based in Santa Clara, California, involves travel 20% of the time, and is eligible for relocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 5–10 years of mechanical design experience.
• Strong CAD, GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and drawing creation skills.
• Experience with vacuum systems, thermal management, precision assemblies, and product development.
• Ability to generate specifications, test plans, and engineering reports.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
• Deep expertise in mechanical design and semiconductor equipment hardware.
• Ability to independently drive complex engineering programs with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead technical problem solving across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Direct PVD experience, including process chambers, cathodes, targets, magnetrons, shields, process kits, pedestals, and ESCs.
• Understanding of plasma processes, vacuum technology, contamination control, and thermal management.
• Experience with advanced packaging, logic, or memory applications.
• Knowledge of RF hardware integration and high-temperature components.
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, ANSYS, and engineering change processes.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of PVD chambers, targets, cathodes, shields, liners, pedestals, ESCs, process kits, wafer-handling interfaces, and vacuum hardware.
• Create 3D designs and 2D drawings, apply GD&T, perform tolerance analysis, and complete engineering calculations.
• Conduct thermal, structural, vibration, and design tradeoff analyses using FEA and CFD tools.
• Develop solutions for contamination control, particle reduction, thermal stability, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Partner with process, RF, electrical, systems, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for customer and field issues.
• Define qualification plans and analyze engineering test data.
• Drive supplier development and component qualification activities.
• Design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes to support handling, assembly, and disassembly throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop and modify mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications.
• Oversee manufacturing and installation processes to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.
• Coordinate procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for participation in a bonus program and stock award program, as applicable.
• Relocation eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior