Senior Algorithm Developer

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As a Software Engineer at Applied Materials, you'll dive deep into ground-breaking technologies-like machine learning and AI-to craft novel software solutions that solve our customers' high-value problems. Our Software Engineers are responsible for designing, prototyping, developing, and debugging software solutions for semiconductor equipment components and devices to ensure quality and functionality. You'll develop software documentation and test procedures, troubleshoot software problems, and communicate with internal customers to understand project requirements. As part of our team, you'll contribute your expertise in intricate systems, deciphering code, and anticipating software behaviors to ensure Applied remains the leader in the semiconductor and display sectors.

What's In It for You?

Work with the best: Join a team of algorithm experts and researchers who are passionate about solving complex challenges in semiconductor inspection.

Innovate at scale: Contribute to the development of cutting-edge detection algorithms that power the next generation of optical wafer inspection tools

End-to-end impact: Be involved in the full lifecycle-from concept and feasibility to implementation and integration-of algorithms that directly influence product performance

Shape the future: Your work will help enable the production of advanced microchips, driving innovation across industries from AI to consumer electronics

Own your work: Drive projects independently from problem definition to production deployment, with visibility across the organization.

Our Team

We are an algorithm research and development group composed of highly skilled developers who thrive on pushing technological boundaries. We focus on designing and implementing advanced detection, classification, and calibration algorithms for optical inspection systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. With a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence, we turn complex challenges into impactful solutions that shape the future of chipmaking.

What You'll Do

• Drive end-to-end algorithm development projects independently, from problem statement refinement to production deployment

• Develop and optimize image processing algorithms for defect detection, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, classification, and image registration on optical wafer inspection data

• Design and implement solutions that effectively combine classical mathematical algorithms with deep learning approaches to solve complex inspection challenges

• Work with large-scale semiconductor inspection datasets, including building data pipelines and curating domain-specific data for algorithm development

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Field, Marketing, Product, Applications, Software, and Systems teams to gather requirements and integrate algorithmic solutions

• Perform concept and feasibility studies, algorithm validation, and benchmarking on large datasets to demonstrate effective solution through data-driven approaches

• Write optimized, production-quality code and work with software teams to integrate algorithms into the inspection tool

• Work with chip design data (GDSII, OASIS) and understand system-level interactions involving optics and physics

• Perform system calibrations and address image processing challenges related to optical systems

• Travel to customer sites for solution demonstrations and issue resolution

• Present technical solutions to internal stakeholders and customers

What You Should Have

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Image/Signal Processing, Computer Vision, or related field from a premier engineering institute

• 7-15 years of experience in algorithm development for image processing and computer vision

• Strong mathematical foundation with expertise in applied mathematics for algorithm development

• Strong background in classical computer vision and image processing (filtering, segmentation, feature extraction, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, image registration)

• Experience with deep learning approaches (CNNs, object detection, semantic segmentation) and frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow

• Proven track record of combining classical and deep learning methods to deliver end-to-end solutions

• Proficient in Python programming with ability to write optimized, production-quality code

• Experience with image processing libraries such as OpenCV, scikit-image

• Experience working with domain-specific raw data and building data pipelines

• Strong experience in algorithm validation, benchmarking, and concept-feasibility methodologies

• Understanding of optical systems and physics fundamentals as they relate to image acquisition and processing

• Ability to work independently and drive projects from problem definition to production deployment

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to influence and collaborate across functions

• Willingness to travel to customer sites (~10%)

• Experience in semiconductor optical wafer inspection or industrial inspection domain

• Experience with chip design data formats (GDSII, OASIS)

• Proficiency in C/C++ or Java

• Knowledge of GPU programming using CUDA or OpenCL

• Experience with MATLAB

• Experience writing production code and integrating algorithms into larger systems

• Customer-facing experience including technical presentations and demonstrations

Additional Information

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular

Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:
Yes

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.