Crosslinked

One of 4,516 polymer and materials roles on Crosslinked, each read for materials, degree, visa and salary. See roles like this

AM

Physicist/Scientist V

Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$161k – $221kfrom the posting

MS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $130k (66 that show pay).

Lead OPC, resist modeling and SMO for cutting-edge optical lithography devices.

Apply
Electronic materials · R&D / Research roles, by email
Apply

Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own the OPC infrastructure and resist modeling that defines cutting-edge optical devices at the semiconductor equipment leader.

Might not be for you. Requires 10-15 years experience and 5+ years hands-on OPC/resist modeling — not for early-career or non-lithography backgrounds.

Technical lead Senior hires only

Adjacent materials roleIn-depth knowledge of lithography materials and process; OPC, resist modeling, SMO in semiconductor

H-1B filings

Applied Materials filed 225 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Process Engineer, Process Support Engineer, Mechanical Engineer. Median filed pay: $148K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Staff/Principal
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
MS
Experience
10–15 yrs
Industry
Semiconductor
Role
R&D / Research
Relocation
Offered
Techniques
OPC modelingresist modelingSMO
Benefits
equity/stockbonus program

Role details

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:

$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.

Job Mission

We are looking to hire a highly motivated, hands-on technical individual to support our OPC/resist modeling/SMO for our cutting-edge optical devices. This position will be in our advanced lithography group.

Key Responsibilities

Technically lead and/or execute engineering projects and spearhead research and development of new technologies as appropriate. Defines experiments and determines the type of meaningful data required to support evaluation and technical decision. Lead and/or develop and executes significantly complex system projects. Approve qualification results of complex modules. Problem identification and troubleshooting a wide range of significantly complex problems.

Function as specialist for physics/scientists’ issues, while influencing and utilizing expertise in interfacing with external and internal customers, lead and/or develop and execute system projects, troubleshooting system problems, and defining system specifications and schedules. Regularly interacts with senior managers on matters involving several functional areas, departments or customers concerning projects, operations and schedules. Interactions require the ability to change thinking or gain the acceptance of others in sensitive situations. Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts. Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts.

Takes an active part in product risk management discussions leveraging his / her expertise and knowledge to influence and drive risk management decisions. Research new technologies and analyze competition technology. Evaluate new technologies. Plan and execute complex feasibility studies of new technologies and lead the decision-making process. Prepare and deliver papers or readouts regarding new technologies, share and promote new ideas and capabilities.

  • Ownership of OPC KW
  • Ownership of resist modeling, sampling plan and data cleaning
  • Ownership of SMO/RET downselection
  • Maintain the OPC infrastructure
  • Provide mentoring for less experienced physicist/scientists
  • Present OPC and modeling verification readouts to the team before the final tape out

Functional Knowledge

Regarded as the technical expert in the particular field

Demonstrates in-depth and/or breadth of expertise in own discipline and broad knowledge of other disciplines within the function

Business Expertise

Anticipates business and regulatory issues; recommends product, process or service improvements

Leadership

Leads projects with notable risk and complexity; develops the strategy for project execution

Problem Solving

Solves unique and complex problems with broad impact on the business; requires conceptual and innovative thinking to develop solutions

Impact

Impacts the direction and resource allocation for program, project or services; works within general functional policies and industry guidelines

Interpersonal Skills

  • Communicates complex ideas, anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at senior levels, to adopt a different point of view.
  • Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills
  • In-depth knowledge of lithography materials and process
  • Quick learner and flexibility in working time
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills both internally and externally

Qualifications

Education

MS or Ph.D Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Electric Engineering or equivalent.

Years of Experience

10 - 15 Years

Work Experience

:

  • 5 or more years of hands on experience in OPC, resist modeling, SMO in semiconductor
  • Computation lithography
  • Direct experience in lithography process is a plus

Additional Information

Time Type

Full time

Employee Type

New College Grad

Travel

Yes, 20% 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.

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Physicist/Scientist V role at Applied Materials?

The listed annual base salary range is $161K–$221K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does Applied Materials sponsor H-1B visas?

Applied Materials has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Physicist/Scientist V role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Physicist/Scientist V role at Applied Materials based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Physicist/Scientist V role at Applied Materials?

This role requires a MS.

How many years of experience does this Physicist/Scientist V role require?

The posting calls for 10–15 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Physicist/Scientist V role work with?

photoresist.

What techniques or methods are required for this Physicist/Scientist V role?

OPC modeling, resist modeling, SMO.