2026 Summer Physicist/Scientist Intern - Masters (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

Location:

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. 

Key Responsibilities

Define novel inspection systems concepts and configurations. Collects, analyzes data and designs statistically valid experiments. 

Designs and engineers modules. Qualifies modules / sub-modules. Design,  perform, collect and analyze data on advanced substrate, technologies and concepts for a range of new products.

Develop new or modified inspection and metrology systems. Performs research and analysis in physics or related subjects. Supports physics related application and system issues in the lab and in the field when required.

Define system requirements and specifications.  Troubleshoot system problems. Collect and analyze data for solving physics related application issues.

Plan projects involving definitions and selection of new concepts and approaches in the physics of development of new or improved tool.

Participates in vendor selection and project management.

Guide less experienced physicists/scientists.

Evaluate new technologies, pursue innovative solutions and evaluate competitors. Conduct tests of new technologies under evaluation. Participate in feasibility studies of new technologies. 

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates expanded conceptual knowledge in own discipline and broadens capabilities

Business Expertise

• Understands key business drivers; uses this understanding to accomplish own work

Leadership

• No supervisory responsibilities but provides informal guidance to new team members

Problem Solving

• Solves problems in straightforward situations; analyzes possible solutions using technical experience and judgment and precedents 

Impact

• Impacts quality of own work and the work of others on the team; works within guidelines and policies

Interpersonal Skills

• Explains complex information to others in straightforward situations

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.