Mechanical Engineer, PhD (Early in Career)

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:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

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 Mechanical Engineer, you’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to process and resolve mechanical problems, design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes, and enable the handling, assembly, and disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and modifying mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations-- and you'll coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

What You’ll Do

As a Mechanical Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, working with a team of talented professionals to solve complex problems. You’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to design and optimize mechanical devices, machines, and systems. You will take on exciting challenges, from conducting research and analyzing data to creating detailed technical drawings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence will enable you to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, making a tangible impact on the success of our projects. We empower our mechanical engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Engineering Careers page to learn more about engineering at Applied.

Role Responsibilities:

• Own mechanical design of tool subassemblies and modules (chambers, heaters, pedestals, gas panels, shields, frames)
• Perform 3D CAD design and release (NX / UG preferred)
• Execute tolerance analysis, stack‑ups, and GD&T
• Conduct FEA / thermal / structural / flow analysis as needed
• Drive prototype build, lab testing, and validation
• Support design reviews and ELS/HVM readiness
• Interface with:
  • Manufacturing & supply chain
  • Process Engineering
  • Systems, EE, Safety, Reliability
• Support field/customer escalations with root‑cause fixes
• Create and maintain drawings, BOMs, specs, ECRs/ECOs
• Ensure design for manufacturability, serviceability, cost, and reliability

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduating with a Ph.D’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Good academic standing with a GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous exposure to 3D CAD tool
• Experience on mechanical/thermal/flow analysis
• Previous internship or related field experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Able to solve complex problems and take a new perspective on existing solutions
• Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information
• Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus
• Flexible and adaptable mindset who thrives in a results-driven culture

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 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.