Systems Engineer IV

Applied Materials • Gloucester, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

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.

Applied Materials’ Sculpta® platform redefines precision patterning at the most advanced semiconductor technology nodes, where nanometer‑level accuracy directly impacts yield, performance, and cost. Built on deep innovation across mechanical design, motion control, vacuum systems, and system‑level integration, Sculpta solves problems conventional tools cannot. This is a role for senior engineers who want true ownership—driving critical system decisions and delivering fab‑ready hardware that runs reliably at scale in the world’s leading semiconductor fabs.

Role Summary
The Systems Engineer IV is a senior technical contributor responsible for end‑to‑end systems engineering ownership of complex semiconductor capital equipment subsystems. This role leads cross‑functional execution across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customer engineering teams to deliver reliable, high‑performance, and field‑ready systems. The position plays a critical role in new product introduction (NPI), field issue resolution, and reliability improvement programs, translating customer and business requirements into robust system‑level solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related Engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering, product development, or semiconductor capital equipment.
• Strong background in complex electro‑mechanical systems and system integration.
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause investigations and reliability improvements.
• Proven ability to operate independently on ambiguous, high‑impact problems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with vacuum systems, robotics, motion control, or wafer‑handling subsystems.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, qualification methodologies, and structured problem‑solving tools.
• Experience supporting fab environments and customer‑facing escalations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own system‑level requirements, architecture, and performance for assigned tool subsystems and assemblies.
• Lead system integration, trade studies, and design reviews to ensure alignment with reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and customer requirements.
• Drive technical decision‑making across cross‑functional teams; influence without authority.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for complex field and factory issues using data‑driven methods (FA, DFMEA, FRACAS, Pareto, trend analysis).
• Define and execute corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), including hardware, software, and process changes.
• Own qualification and validation plans to ensure fixes meet performance, reliability, and customer acceptance criteria.
• Support NPI programs from concept through qualification, release, and field ramp.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (CIPs) focused on uptime, reliability, cost, and manufacturability.
• Partner with manufacturing and supply chain to enable scalable production and smooth ramp.
• Serve as the technical interface between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customer engineering.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to senior technical leadership and customers.
• Support customer escalations and on‑site activities as required.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree