Process Engineer III – Optical Device Assembly

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. 

Process Engineer – Optical Device Assembly

We are seeking a Process Engineer with 1–5 years of experience to support the development, integration, and scaling of optical and opto‑mechanical assembly processes. This role focuses on process development, experimentation, and manufacturing readiness for camera, display, and photonic modules. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, data‑driven, and experienced in precision assembly and laser‑based manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and mature assembly and integration processes for optical and opto‑mechanical devices
• Serve as process or integration owner for camera, display, or photonic modules
• Develop metrology methods for process monitoring and continuous improvement
• Design, execute, and analyze complex process engineering experiments within safety guidelines
• Collect, analyze, and report data to support process optimization and yield improvement
• Characterize hardware and define methods to evaluate complex systems across multiple products
• Generate internal and external documentation, including process specifications, technical reports, and presentations
• Plan and execute process engineering projects from concept through manufacturing readiness
• Develop processes that meet customer and product specifications
• Interface with customers to resolve complex process engineering and manufacturing issues
• Design and implement new technologies, products, and analytical instrumentation
• Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturers

Required Qualifications

• 1–5 years of relevant industry experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• Hands‑on experience in assembly or manufacturing process development
• Strong understanding of process ownership and integration
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, JMP, or equivalent
• Knowledge of Gage R&R and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Experience setting up, qualifying, and optimizing new equipment and processes

Preferred Experience (One or More of the Following)

• Electronics, camera, display, or photonic assembly experience (CE assembly)
• Experience in Laser processing
• Manufacturing automation environments
• Glass industry experience
• Dispensing and bonding processes, including adhesive selection and application
• Laser machining (cutting, marking, engraving, gluing, dispensing)
• Understanding of optical lens stacking, alignment, and bonding
• Experience owning a module‑level assembly process
• Experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs)
• Opto‑mechanical assembly experience
• Familiarity with:
  • Dispensing systems
  • Optical inspection
  • Die bonding
  • Micro‑ and nano‑scale manufacturing

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.