Position Summary
The Senior RF Systems Engineer will lead the architecture, development, integration, and qualification of RF power delivery solutions for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role is responsible for translating process and customer requirements into robust RF subsystem designs that deliver industry-leading plasma performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
The engineer will work cross-functionally with Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Product Support, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Global Customers to define and execute RF technology roadmaps supporting both new product introductions and sustaining engineering initiatives.
A key focus area is the development and optimization of RF systems for advanced plasma applications with emphasis on plasma stability, power delivery efficiency, defectivity reduction, controllability, and long-term reliability.
Key Responsibilities
RF System Architecture & Development
Lead the design, specification, and integration of RF power delivery systems including:
RF generators
Match networks
RF sensors and diagnostics
Transmission lines and power distribution components
RF grounding and shielding architectures
Define RF subsystem requirements based on process, system, and customer needs.
Develop RF architectures that optimize plasma performance, uniformity, stability, and repeatability.
Evaluate emerging RF technologies and drive roadmap recommendations.
Plasma-RF Performance Optimization
Partner closely with plasma and process engineers to understand RF-plasma interactions.
Analyze and improve
Plasma ignition characteristics
RF coupling efficiency
Harmonic behavior
Process uniformity
Defectivity performance
Wafer-to-wafer and chamber-to-chamber matching
Support development of advanced RF control strategies for next-generation process requirements.
System Integration & New Product Development
Serve as RF technical lead on advanced development programs.
Drive subsystem integration across
Power delivery
Chamber hardware
ESCs
Gas delivery
Controls and software
Define verification and validation plans.
Support prototype bring-up, system qualification, design reviews, and customer demonstrations.
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis
Utilize analytical and simulation tools to predict RF system behavior.
Perform
Circuit analysis
EM modeling
Power loss analysis
Impedance matching evaluations
Thermal and reliability assessments
Correlate simulation predictions with experimental results.
Reliability, Cost & Manufacturability
Drive designs that improve
Reliability
Serviceability
Manufacturability
Cost of ownership
Conduct root cause investigations for RF-related failures.
Lead corrective and preventive actions.
Support supplier qualification and component selection activities.
Technical Leadership
Act as subject matter expert for RF technology across engineering organizations.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to project teams.
Drive technical decision-making through data-driven analysis and risk assessments.
Present technical results and recommendations to executive leadership and customers.
Required Qualifications
BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, RF Engineering, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience developing RF systems in semiconductor equipment, plasma processing, power electronics, communications, aerospace, or related industries.
Strong foundation in
RF circuit design
Electromagnetics
Impedance matching
Transmission line theory
High-frequency power delivery systems
Experience with RF generators and matching networks.
Hands-on troubleshooting and laboratory characterization experience.
Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Semiconductor plasma processing experience.
Experience supporting PECVD, CVD, Etch, EPI, Surface Treatment, or related plasma applications.
Familiarity with RF frequencies commonly used in semiconductor processing (400 kHz, 2 MHz, 13.56 MHz, 27 MHz, 40MHz, 60 MHz, and higher-frequency architectures).
Experience with specific or similar tools such as
Advanced Design System (ADS)
High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS)
CST Studio Suite
SPICE
MATLAB
Python
Knowledge of plasma diagnostics and RF measurement techniques.
Experience working directly with customers such as leading foundries and memory manufacturers.
Background in high-power RF systems, pulsed RF technologies, or advanced plasma control methods.
Success Metrics
The successful candidate will
Deliver RF solutions that improve plasma performance and process capability.
Enable achievement of uniformity, defectivity, and productivity targets.
Improve RF subsystem reliability and reduce field issues.
Drive cost reduction opportunities without compromising performance.
Support successful qualification and release of product aligned milestones.
Establish scalable RF architectures supporting future product generations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for a technically strong, hands-on engineer who combines deep RF expertise with systems-level thinking. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between detailed technical problem solving and strategic technology planning, thrives in a fast-paced NPI environment, and can influence cross-functional teams to deliver innovative RF solutions that provide meaningful customer value.
Additional Information
Time Type
Full time
Employee Type
Assignee / Regular
Travel
Yes, 10% 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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.
