Computational Plasma Physicist

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.

• Model and simulate low-temperature DC and RF plasmas (e.g., inductively and capacitively coupled discharges) and electromagnetic fields in semiconductor processing equipment to support concept development, technology assessment, and product design.

• Develop, extend, validate, and test internal plasma, electromagnetic, and multiphysics simulation codes, and apply commercial simulation tools where appropriate.

• Analyze simulation results, compare against experimental data, and recommend hardware design changes that improve plasma uniformity, stability, and process performance.

• Explore and apply physics-informed machine learning, surrogate modeling, and other data-driven methods to accelerate simulation workflows and design optimization.

• Communicate modeling insights and recommendations clearly to product development and engineering teams, and serve as a technical resource on plasma physics and electromagnetic phenomena.

Required

• Demonstrated experience in plasma physics simulation and modeling, preferably of low-temperature or partially ionized plasmas

• Experience developing or applying numerical methods for plasma, electromagnetic, or multiphysics problems (e.g., fluid, hybrid, or particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision models)

• Proficiency in Python and at least one compiled language (C++ or Fortran)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Preferred

• Knowledge of RF discharge physics, sheath dynamics, electron kinetics, or plasma chemistry and plasma–surface interactions

• Experience with RF/electromagnetic field simulation (e.g., finite element or finite-difference time-domain Maxwell solvers)

• Experience with parallel programming (MPI, OpenMP, or GPU/CUDA) and high-performance computing (HPC) environments

• Experience with scientific machine learning, surrogate modeling, physics-informed neural networks, or other data-driven approaches for computational physics

• Experience developing scientific software collaboratively, including version control (e.g., git), code review, and testing practices

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline

• 0-3 years of relevant post-PhD experience (postdoctoral research counts toward experience; recent graduates are encouraged to apply)

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: Yes

The salary offered to…