Photonics Test Engineer

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: 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.

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.

• Bring‑up and characterize high‑speed optical components, including waveguide, coupler, modulators and photodetectors, ensuring they meet performance expectations.
• Design, implement, and maintain optical and electrical test setups.
• Design and implement test procedures for silicon photonics chips and SIP‑based optical subsystems.
• Design and execute validation and debug plans aligned with product specs, including link‑level electro‑optic testing using industry‑standard equipment such as BERTs, DCAs, VNAs, and AWGs.
• Design and debug test methods and fixtures to characterize optical alignment systems.
• Establish and manage test data collection, archiving, analysis, and presentation.
• Maintain test equipment and instrument calibration; identify and purchase test parts and write equipment preventive maintenance (PM) procedures.

• Ph.D., M.S., or equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Applied Physics.
• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience preferred; less experienced candidates with an exceptional track record may be considered.
• Hands‑on experience with optical chip, component, and system‑level prototyping and testing for Telecommunications or Data Center Interconnect (DCI) product development.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing support, such as optical component testing and performance evaluation.
• Fluent programming skills in a PC/Windows environment using C, Python, and LabVIEW to enable test scripting and automation.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting tools such as JMP, MATLAB, and Microsoft Office.
• Desirable experience with CAD/ modeling/simulation software such as PADs, Solid Works, and Zemax.
• Self‑motivated, creative, and team‑oriented.

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
• Relocation Eligible: Yes
• Compensation may include base salary, bonus, and stock awards, based on location, grade, skills, experience, and internal equity considerations. The salary range is a Target Total Cash (TTC) for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus 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.

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 Ac, 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.