Computational Physicist – Plasma Modeling, AI/ML New College Grad - Doctorate Degree (Santa Clara, Ca)

Applied Materials

Actively hiring
Santa Clara,Ca, US Posted 100 days ago $138,000–$190,000 / year
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At a glance

AI generated

TL;DR

Applied Materials is hiring a computational physicist to join its plasma modeling team in Sunnyvale, CA. This senior-level position involves developing and implementing advanced physics-based simulation tools and AI/ML techniques for plasma, fluid, and thermal processes. The role requires automating simulation workflows using Python or MATLAB, analyzing large datasets, and contributing to the optimization of Ace+ software. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex plasma-related challenges and support next-generation chamber and process technology development. Ideal candidates hold an advanced degree in a relevant engineering field with expertise in plasma physics, chemical kinetics, and fluid flow principles, along with experience using commercial plasma modeling tools like HPEM or ACE+. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++, or Fortran is essential, as is the ability to apply machine learning techniques to enhance simulations.

Skills

Python MATLAB C C++ Fortran HPEM ACE+ VizGlow Comsol Machine Learning Surrogate Models Reduced-Order Models Uncertainty Quantification

What you'll do

  • Develop advanced computational models for plasma, fluid, and thermal processes.
  • Implement AI/ML techniques to enhance physics-based simulations and data analysis.
  • Automate simulation workflows using Python or similar scripting tools.
  • Analyze large datasets from simulations to optimize Ace+ software performance.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to address complex plasma-related challenges.

What we're looking for

  • Advanced degree in engineering or related field with specialization in plasma physics.
  • Proven ability to apply plasma physics principles and chemical kinetics to solve complex problems.
  • Experience using commercial plasma modeling tools like HPEM, ACE+, VizGlow, Comsol.
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C, C++, or Fortran for simulation workflows and data analysis.
  • Strong automation skills with scripting languages for large-scale data processing.
  • Excellent communication skills for collaboration across engineering teams.

Market check

Salary context

This $138,000–$190,000 range sits above 50% of similar postings on FindRole.

Peer median band

$121,250–$225,000

Median floor and ceiling across peers.

Typical midpoint (25–75%)

$135,000–$212,025

Middle half of comparable postings.

Based on 240 comparable postings.

* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.

Employer

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials is the world''s largest supplier of equipment, services, and software for the semiconductor and display industries, enabling the production of chips and advanced displays. Industry: Semiconductor Equipment

Applied Materials currently has 65 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $141,000–$193,500 across 65 roles with salary data.

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