Mechanical Engineer 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:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

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. 

 

 

As a Mechanical Engineer, you’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to process and resolve mechanical problems, design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes, and enable the handling, assembly, and disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and modifying mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations-- and you'll coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

 

 

What You’ll Do

As a Mechanical Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, working with a team of talented professionals to solve complex problems. You’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to design and optimize mechanical devices, machines, and systems. You will take on exciting challenges, from conducting research and analyzing data to creating detailed technical drawings and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence will enable you to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, making a tangible impact on the success of our projects. 

Role Responsibilities: 

• Design or modify basic mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, or drawings/specifications under direct supervision 
• Coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects; identify sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve basic technical issues 
• Perform and document engineering test reports; generate alpha/gamma documentation for product releases  
• Perform engineering analysis; troubleshoot a variety of mechanical problems of general difficulty under direct supervision 
• Apply engineering processes to resolve basic mechanical problems 
• Help to design, develop, and implement custom mechanical tooling, fixturing and associated processes 
• Enable the handling, assembly and/or disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle, as needed 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related majors from an accredited university or college and available to start Summer 2026
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative environments, whether through academic projects or professional roles, with an understanding of team dynamics.
• Exposure to semiconductor equipment, subsystems, or related advanced technology platforms, such as laser-based systems, eBeam/electron beam systems, plasma systems, vacuum systems, deposition tools, etch tools, metrology/inspection tools, optics/photonics assemblies, motion systems, precision alignment systems, robotics/automation, thermal management systems, high-voltage systems, RF-powered systems, cleanroom equipment, or mechatronic assemblies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated practical experience and involvement in mechanical engineering project activities, showcasing practical application of engineering concepts and problem-solving skills, whether through academic projects or professional endeavors
• Hands-on experience through research, lab work, internships, or projects involving one or more of the following: precision mechanical design, vacuum-compatible hardware, thermal control, structural analysis, fixture/tooling design, motion control, opto-mechanical design, or semiconductor process equipment integration and testing

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 [email protected], 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.