RF Systems Engineer Sr.

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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. We offer 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. 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. As an Electrical Engineer, you are responsible for designing, modifying, and troubleshooting electrical or electronic engineering assemblies, layouts, schematics, and drawings to advance the equipment that supports our technology. Using your technical experience and critical thinking skills, you will perform engineering analysis, generate test reports, develop innovative solutions, and create documentation for product releases. You will also coordinate the procurement and assembly of components, identify sources of critical parts, and resolve technical issues to ensure peak performance. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior RF Engineer to lead the development, integration, optimization, and troubleshooting 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, along with the ability to drive complex technical initiatives from concept through production. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in RF technologies, collaborating across electrical, mechanical, software, ECAT communication, process, and manufacturing disciplines to develop innovative solutions that improve system performance, reliability, and customer value. This position combines hands-on engineering, technical leadership, supplier engagement, and customer support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience; or Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience; or PhD with 6 + years of experience in semiconductor or related capital equipment development.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, specification, integration, and qualification of RF subsystems and modules, including: RF generators, Matching networks, RF filters, RF diagnostics and sensors, ICP source designs, RF transmission and power distribution systems
Develop and maintain specifications, schematics and engineering documentation.
Define system requirements and performance specifications for new products and technology platforms.
Support product releases by developing test plans, validating performance, and ensuring manufacturability.
Utilize analytical, circuit simulation, and electromagnetic modeling tools to predict RF system behavior and guide design decisions.
Partner closely with technology, productivity, and process engineers to understand RF-plasma interactions and improve performance.
Analyze and optimize: Plasma ignition characteristics, RF coupling efficiency, Process uniformity, Chamber-to-chamber matching, Wafer-to-wafer repeatability
Develop and implement advanced RF control strategies for next-generation semiconductor process requirements.
Lead integration of RF systems into semiconductor processing equipment.
Participate in supplier selection, technical evaluations, and development activities.
Independently diagnose and resolve complex RF, electrical, and plasma-related issues with minimal supervision.
Analyze complex system behaviors using experimental data, simulation tools, and root-cause methodologies.
Work closely with software engineering teams to ensure effective hardware-software integration and control.
Evaluate emerging RF technologies, industry trends, and competitive solutions.
Drive innovation through development of new concepts, architectures, and system capabilities.
Conduct technical investigations and proof-of-concept testing to support technology roadmaps and strategic decisions.
Present technical findings and recommendations to engineering leadership, executive stakeholders and customers.
Serve as a subject matter expert in RF Engineering.
Mentor and guide junior engineers through technical coaching and knowledge sharing.
Lead small to medium-sized projects and provide technical direction for multidisciplinary teams.