Process engineer - MicroLEDs

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:

$147,000.00 - $202,500.00

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 Process Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for display and semiconductor manufacturing technologies. You will collect and analyze data, perform hardware characterization, and troubleshoot engineering issues. You'll also measure film properties, generate technical documentation, and engage with customers to resolve concerns. Process Engineers collaborate with vendors and suppliers, and become familiar with implementing new technologies and products. You will experiment, learn, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the semiconductor and display industries, partnering with our globally recognized R&D teams on state-of-the-art research and development projects.  

We are seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer with deep expertise in optoelectronic devices (microLEDs, VCSELs, etc.) to develop next-generation high-performance photonic interconnects and co-packaged optical systems. This role is critical for enabling high-density, low-loss interconnects in next-generation AI data centers and high-performance computing platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and characterize low-power, high-speed optoelectronic devices (microLEDs, VCSEL arrays, etc.) for photonic interconnect applications.
• Perform device design and modeling (optical/electrical/thermal) using simulation tools such as LightTools, Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent.
• Develop process integration for photonic interconnect solutions, including coupling strategies between transmitter, waveguide, fiber, and receiver.
• Set up measurement metrology; conduct optical, electrical, and tolerance analysis of high-speed photonic devices.
• Optimize components for performance, efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Establish and manage external collaborations with partners, customers, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Education: MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of optoelectronic device physics and design.
• 5+ years of experience in compound semiconductor processing (GaN, GaAs, InP) with emphasis on microLED or VCSEL technologies.
• Deep understanding and hands-on experience for epitaxial growth, litho, etching, metallization, passivation, backend, packaging and testing for optoelectronic devices.
• Proficiency in simulation tools for optical/electrical/thermal modeling.
• Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and capability to work in a collaborative research environment.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

New College Grad

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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.