Mechanical Design Engineer; ESC) IV

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.

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. 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.

The Mechanical Design Engineer IV (E4) will serve as the technical owner for the mechanical design, integration, qualification, and lifecycle improvement of electrostatic chuck (ESC) and pedestal assemblies used in semiconductor processing equipment. The role combines deep mechanical design capability with working knowledge of vacuum, RF bias, high‑voltage DC, thermal management, ceramic‑to‑metal interfaces, backside gas delivery, and plasma‑facing materials. The engineer will translate process and customer requirements into reliable, manufacturable designs and will lead complex problem‑solving across internal teams and key suppliers.

• ESC & Pedestal Design Ownership: Lead concept through release for ESC/pedestal assemblies, including ceramic puck, aluminum base, cooling channels, backside‑gas distribution, seal bands, lift‑pin features, RF/DC feed interfaces, insulators, cables, and service interfaces.
• Engineering Analysis: Perform or direct tolerance analysis, thermal calculations, structural/stress assessment, heat‑transfer analysis, and design trade studies. Use FEA and CFD appropriately to evaluate thermal uniformity, pressure drop, deformation, interface stress, and reliability margin.
• Electro‑Mechanical Integration: Partner with electrical, RF, process, systems, and safety engineers to manage high‑voltage isolation, RF current paths, grounding, creepage/clearance, filter and cable interfaces, backside ignition risk, and parasitic plasma risk.
• Materials & Interface Engineering: Select and specify ceramics, metals, coatings, adhesives/bond layers, O‑rings, insulators, and surface finishes for vacuum, plasma, RF, thermal cycling, low out gassing, chemical compatibility, and…