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

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:
$138,000.00 - $190,000.00

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.

J­ob Title - Computational Physicist - Plasma Modeling, AI/ML

Location - Sunnyvale, CA

Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. Our innovations make possible™ the technology shaping the future. To achieve this, we employ some of the best, brightest, and most talented people in the world who work together as part of a winning team.

Applied Materials is seeking a highly skilled engineer to join its computational modeling team with a strong emphasis on plasma physics. In this role, you will develop and implement advanced computational models utilizing physics-based simulation tools and AI/ML techniques. You will design models for plasma, fluid, and thermal processes, automate simulation workflows, analyze large data sets, and contribute to the development and optimization of Ace+ software. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams to address complex plasma-related challenges, improve product designs, and support next-generation chamber and process technology development.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with specialization in plasma physics.
• Proven ability to apply plasma physics, chemical kinetics and fluid flow principles to solve challenging problems.
• Experience with commercial or academic plasma modeling tools (e.g. HPEM, ACE+, VizGlow, Comsol, etc.)
• Experience automating simulation workflows using Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting tools for data processing and large-scale analysis.
• Proficient in at least one programming language (Python, MATLAB, C, C++, or Fortran).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration across engineering teams.

Desirable Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying machine learning techniques to enhance physics-based simulations, including: surrogate models. reduced-order models, uncertainty quantification
• Familiarity with open-source machine learning libraries and frameworks

Additional Information

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
New College Grad

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.

Client-provided location(s): Santa Clara, CA

Job ID: Applied_Materials-R2612851

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-02-18T19:32:26