Senior RF Systems Engineer

Who We Are

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. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$161,000.00 - $221,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

You’ll benefit from 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. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 

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. Learn more about our benefits. 

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.  

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities:

RF System Architecture & Development

• 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.

Plasma-RF Performance Optimization

• 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.

System Integration & New Product Development

• 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.

Modeling, Simulation & Analysis

• 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.

Reliability, Cost & Manufacturability

• 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.

Technical Leadership

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Success Metrics

The successful candidate will:

• Deliver RF solutions that improve plasma performance and process capability.
• Enable achievement of uniformity, defectivity, and productivity targets.
• Improve RF subsystem reliability and reduce field issues.
• Drive cost reduction opportunities without compromising performance.
• Support successful qualification and release of product aligned milestones.
• Establish scalable RF architectures supporting future product generations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a technically strong, hands-on engineer who combines deep RF expertise with systems-level thinking. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between detailed technical problem solving and strategic technology planning, thrives in a fast-paced NPI environment, and can influence cross-functional teams to deliver innovative RF solutions that provide meaningful customer value.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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.