RF Engineer

About this role

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. 

What We Offer

Salary: $163,000.00 - $224,000.00 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 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.     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 freq

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