Director, Optical Engineering

Applied Materials

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Salary
$210,000–$289,000 / yr
Posted
31 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $243k
This role $250k
$177k most similar roles pay here $304k

This role pays more than 53% of similar roles. Most pay $208,800–$278,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $250k versus about $243k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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 128 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $132,750–$182,500 across 128 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Director, Optical Engineering

The Director, Optical Engineering joins the Imagine and Process Control group to provide technical leadership and execution for complex engineering projects. This role involves leading a team of optical engineers across multiple programs while spearheading research and development of new technologies. Key responsibilities include overseeing design reviews, managing system requirements, troubleshooting complex physics-related issues in lab and field environments, and performing feasibility studies for new systems. The candidate will manage strategic vendors, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with marketing to define tool specifications. Required expertise includes over 20 years in optical design engineering, specifically for high-performance systems used in the semiconductor industry. Core competencies include advanced knowledge of optical subsystems, alignment strategies, error budgets, and translating multi-dimensional market requirements into technical specifications to solve challenges in manufacturing display and semiconductor chips.

What you'll do

  • Manage a team of optical engineers across multiple product programs.
  • Lead the design, development, and execution of complex optical system projects.
  • Oversee and approve technical designs, qualification results, and research analysis for modules.
  • Troubleshoot complex physics-related issues in both laboratory and field environments.
  • Define system specifications, requirements, and error budgets based on customer needs.
  • Lead the selection and management of strategic vendors and external partners.
  • Conduct feasibility studies and research new technologies to drive innovation.
  • Mentor junior physicists and scientists while providing technical leadership to the organization.

What we're looking for

  • 20+ years of experience in optical design engineering.
  • 8+ years of experience leading engineering teams.
  • Experience developing high-performance optical systems for the semiconductor industry.
  • Experience leading teams through all aspects of the design cycle, including specification development and supplier support.
  • Expertise in developing optical subsystems, alignment strategies, tooling, and error budgets.
  • Ability to translate multi-dimensional market requirements into engineering specifications.
  • Proven ability to manage large, diverse teams and navigate complex stakeholder negotiations.

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