Physicist/Scientist III – Photonics Simulation & Layout Engineer
About The Position
Applied Materials is hiring a highly motivated, hands-on technical individual to join its CTO Quantum program. The role helps define, develop, and evaluate novel photonic and optical technologies—including metasurface, integrated photonic, and inspection/metrology concepts—that enable scalable quantum systems on advanced substrates. The engineer connects photonic simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement data to conduct feasibility studies, demonstrate new capabilities, and support technical decisions as quantum technologies progress from laboratory demonstrations to manufacturable platforms. The position independently executes engineering projects and contributes to research and development of new technologies. It involves owning electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic, metasurface, and integrated photonic components; designing thin-film optical stacks; translating optimized designs into fabrication-ready layouts; supporting mask data preparation and computational lithography; and correlating simulation with metrology and optical test data. The role also builds automated data-processing and analysis pipelines and presents technical readouts to the team. The position is based in Santa Clara, California, with travel required approximately 10% of the time. It is a full-time, new-college-graduate role, and relocation is not offered.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Materials Science and Engineering, or equivalent, completed by the start date.
- Ph.D. research in nanophotonic, metasurface, or integrated photonic device simulation and design.
- Hands-on experience with FDTD and/or RCWA simulation.
- Programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation and quantitative data analysis.
- Familiarity with GDS layout generation and scripting.
- Strong problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.
- Solid foundation in optics/photonics, electromagnetics, and semiconductor processing.
- Ability to learn quickly and work with both computational and hands-on laboratory tasks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Conceptual and practical expertise in the discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.
- Knowledge of best practices and how the role’s area integrates with others; awareness of competition and market differentiators.
- Ability to solve complex problems, take new perspectives on existing solutions, and exercise judgment based on multiple sources of information.
- Ability to impact project activities within the team and related teams while working within broad guidelines and policies.
Nice To Haves
- Relevant industry internship experience.
- Cleanroom fabrication experience, such as e-beam lithography or dry etch.
- Optical characterization and measurement-system experience.
- Experience with OPC/RET, mask data preparation, or DRC rule decks.
- Experience with active/passive PIC devices, wafer-level metrology, or quantum technology.
- Experience with Lumerical MODE/CHARGE, COMSOL Multiphysics, or RF/electro-optic solvers.
- Experience with Cadence Virtuoso or Siemens Calibre/Synopsys tools for DRC, OPC/RET, and mask data preparation.
Responsibilities
- Independently execute engineering projects and contribute to research and development of new technologies.
- Define experiments, including design of experiments (DOE), and determine meaningful data requirements for evaluation and technical decisions.
- Identify and troubleshoot design, process, and measurement problems.
- Interface with design, process, metrology, and mask teams.
- Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new methods and capabilities.
- Prepare and deliver technical readouts and share new ideas with the team.
- Own electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic, metasurface, and integrated photonic components, including convergence validation, parameter sweeps, and optical-loss analysis.
- Design thin-film optical stacks, such as anti-reflection coatings, and evaluate material and geometry tradeoffs.
- Translate optimized designs into fabrication-ready GDSII layouts using scripted or parameterized layout generation; run design rule checks and support tape-out verification.
- Support mask data preparation and computational lithography activities, including OPC/RET, model calibration data, and verification.
- Correlate simulation with metrology and optical test data; evaluate process-variation impact and convert results into design and process guidelines.
- Build automated Python/MATLAB pipelines for data processing, statistical analysis, and reporting.
- Present simulation, layout, and verification readouts to the team.
- Act as a resource for less experienced colleagues and potentially lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
- Explain difficult or sensitive information and work to build consensus.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Potential eligibility for participation in a bonus program.
- Potential eligibility for a stock award program, as applicable.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
