Senior RF Systems Engineer

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

2d • $161,000 - $221,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Systems Engineer, you’ll design, integrate, and optimize complex systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems thinking and problem-solving is essential as you collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop advanced solutions to intricate processes and writing system specifications. You’ll be responsible for analyzing requirements, defining system architectures, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring seamless integration of subsystems. Additionally, you’ll identify and mitigate risks, confirming that our systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role is responsible for translating process and customer requirements into robust RF subsystem designs that deliver industry-leading plasma performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
The engineer will work cross-functionally with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Product Support, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Global Customers to define and execute RF technology roadmaps supporting both new product introductions and sustaining engineering initiatives.
A key focus area is the development and optimization of RF systems for advanced plasma applications with emphasis on plasma stability, power delivery efficiency, defectivity reduction, controllability, and long-term reliability.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience developing RF systems in semiconductor equipment, plasma processing, power electronics, communications, aerospace, or related industries.
• Strong foundation in: RF circuit design, Electromagnetics, Impedance matching, Transmission line theory, High-frequency power delivery systems
• Experience with RF generators and matching networks.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and laboratory characterization experience.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Semiconductor plasma processing experience.
• Experience supporting PECVD, CVD, Etch, EPI, Surface Treatment, or related plasma applications.
• Familiarity with RF frequencies commonly used in semiconductor processing (400 kHz, 2 MHz, 13.56 MHz, 27 MHz, 40MHz, 60 MHz, and higher-frequency architectures).
• Experience with specific or similar tools such as: Advanced Design System (ADS), High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), CST Studio Suite, SPICE, MATLAB, Python
• Knowledge of plasma diagnostics and RF measurement techniques.
• Experience working directly with customers such as leading foundries and memory manufacturers.
• Background in high-power RF systems, pulsed RF technologies, or advanced plasma control methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, specification, and integration of RF power delivery systems including: RF generators, Match networks, RF sensors and diagnostics, Transmission lines and power distribution components, RF grounding and shielding architectures
• Define RF subsystem requirements based on process, system, and customer needs.
• Develop RF architectures that optimize plasma performance, uniformity, stability, and repeatability.
• Evaluate emerging RF technologies and drive roadmap recommendations.
• Partner closely with plasma and process engineers to understand RF-plasma interactions.
• Analyze and improve: Plasma ignition characteristics, RF coupling efficiency, Harmonic behavior, Process uniformity, Defectivity performance, Wafer-to-wafer and chamber-to-chamber matching
• Support development of advanced RF control strategies for next-generation process requirements.
• Serve as RF technical lead on advanced development programs.
• Drive subsystem integration across: Power delivery, Chamber hardware, ESCs, Gas delivery, Controls and software
• Define verification and validation plans.
• Support prototype bring-up, system qualification, design reviews, and customer demonstrations.
• Utilize analytical and simulation tools to predict RF system behavior.
• Perform: Circuit analysis, EM modeling, Power loss analysis, Impedance matching evaluations, Thermal and reliability assessments
• Correlate simulation predictions with experimental results.
• Drive designs that improve: Reliability, Serviceability, Manufacturability, Cost of ownership
• Conduct root cause investigations for RF-related failures.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions.
• Support supplier qualification and component selection activities.
• Act as subject matter expert for RF technology across engineering organizations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Drive technical decision-making through data-driven analysis and risk assessments.
• Present technical results and recommendations to executive leadership and customers.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Opportunities to take on challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Empowerment to push the boundaries of what is possible.
• Commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
• Programs and support for personal and professional growth.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program.

What This Job Offers

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