Physicist​/Scientist-X-Ray Fluorescence III; E3

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.

Salary: $ - $

Location:

Benicia, 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.

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 benefits.

We are seeking a highly motivated physicist to join our advanced inspection and metrology systems development team. In this role, you will contribute to the definition, design, and validation of next-generation technologies that support innovative products.

• Define and develop novel inspection system concepts, architectures, and configurations.
• Design and execute statistically sound experiments; collect, analyze, and interpret data to support development decisions.
• Engineer, design, and qualify modules and sub‑modules for advanced inspection systems.
• Develop new or enhanced inspection and metrology solutions for emerging substrate technologies and applications.
• Conduct research and analysis in physics or related disciplines to support product innovation.
• Define system requirements and specifications, and troubleshoot complex system‑level issues.
• Provide expert support for physics‑related application and system challenges both in the lab and in the field.
• Lead or contribute to project planning, including the evaluation and integration of new concepts and approaches into product development.
• Support product risk management processes by delivering data‑driven insights and recommendations.
• Participate in vendor selection and collaborate with external partners.
• Engage with customers on technological topics and provide subject‑matter expertise in your domain.
• Mentor and guide junior physicists and scientists.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, market trends, and competitor capabilities to identify new opportunities.
• Plan and conduct feasibility studies for new technologies, systems, and sub‑systems, delivering clear analysis to guide decision‑making.
• Demonstrate new capabilities and perform performance analysis to validate solutions.

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Physics or a related field.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills, including statistical data analysis.
• Experience in system design, metrology, or inspection technologies is an advantage.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems and work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal teams, customers, and external partners.

• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.

• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.

• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.

• Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.

• Impacts a range of customer,…