Hardware/Design Engineer: Robotics

Who We Are

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.

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Robotics Hardware Engineer 

Position summary 

We are seeking a highly skilled robotics engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and optimization of high-precision wafer-transfer robots and atmospheric and vacuum handling systems. In this role, you will design, integrate, and test next-generation robotic mechanisms, end effectors, and motion-control systems that move fragile silicon wafers with micron-level precision in ultra-clean environments. You will also help develop factory-automation work cells, partnering with robotics suppliers and system integrators to automate component manufacturing and equipment assembly using customized robotic solutions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechatronics and precision motion control, with experience applying robotics to semiconductor equipment and industrial automation. 

Roles and responsibilities 

• Mechanical & Mechatronics Design: Design high-rigidity, low-vibration robotic arms, SCARA and articulated mechanisms, precision stages, and end effectors using SolidWorks, NX, or similar CAD tools. 

• Cleanroom & Vacuum Optimization: Engineer robotic systems for ultra-clean, high-vacuum, or inert-gas environments, selecting low-particle-generation materials, components, and magnetic or direct-drive actuators. 

• System Integration: Integrate robot hardware with PLCs, machine-vision systems, optical and proximity sensors, safety systems, motion controllers, and fab or factory-automation software. 

• System Testing & Validation: Develop and execute DOE, unit, subsystem, integration, and system-level testing to verify robotic performance, reliability, and robustness. 

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Collect, analyze, and document test data to identify performance gaps, drive design improvements, and verify requirements. 

• Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering: Diagnose mechanical, controls, and system-level failures; perform root-cause analysis; improve Mean Time Between Failures; and develop maintenance strategies that reduce cost of ownership. 

• Motion Control & Precision Alignment: Develop and tune closed-loop motion-control systems for micron-level positioning and repeatability, trajectory optimization, coordinated motion, and vibration suppression. 

• Supplier & Integrator Management: Develop technical requirements, work closely with robotics suppliers and system integrators, review designs and test results, and verify the quality and performance of delivered systems. 

• Factory Automation: Work with integrators to automate component manufacturing, system-assembly operations and inspection using industrial robotics and purpose-built automation. 

• Documentation & Product Release: Create and release engineering drawings, part numbers, specifications, test documentation, and PLM records; participate in and lead design reviews as appropriate. 

• Work location: Onsite daily. Expect to travel 10% of the time. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: BS or MS in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or a related field. 

• 5+ years of robotics industry experience, preferably in wafer-transfer robotics, precision automation and factory automation. 

• Proficiency in SolidWorks, NX, or similar CAD tools. 

• Experience with precision transmission components, brushless motors, encoders, servo systems, bearings, and vacuum-compatible components and seals. 

• Programming and controls proficiency in one or more of the following: C++, Python, ROS 2, PLCs, industrial robot programming, or embedded motion controllers. 

• Experience implementing machine-vision and AI solutions using tools such as OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or comparable frameworks. 

Additional Information

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The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.