Director, RF Systems Engineering
Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CA
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $206k–$284k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 15+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level manufacturing role at Applied Materials (industrial) in Santa Clara, CA.
- They ask for
- 15+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause
- Base pay
- $206k–$284k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $114k–$167k. This one lists $206k–$284k.
Median of the low and high ends of 117 live postings that list pay, out of 320 manufacturing engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 319 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 83% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (15+ vs 5+)
Typical $111k–$157k, from 105 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 53%
- New product launch 51%
- ✓ Root cause 40%
- Automation 35%
- Machining 29%
- CATIA / NX 29%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Applied Materials
We found 7 people at this company and state: 3 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Nicholas → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Applied Materials in Santa Clara
47 other open roles at this site · 7 people we found in manufacturing roles at Applied Materials.
- Director, Process Engineer · Process · Director+
- Product Quality & Reliability Engineer IV (E4) · Quality · Senior
- Process Engineer · Process
- Process Engineer III · Process · Senior
- Mgr, Process Engineer · Process
- Process Engineer ||| - Plasma · Process
Full description from Applied MaterialsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Position Summary
We are seeking an accomplished Director, RF Systems Engineering to lead the development, integration, optimization, and strategic direction of advanced RF power delivery systems used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep expertise in RF engineering, plasma processing, and system-level design, combined with the ability to lead technical organizations and drive complex engineering initiatives from concept through production.
The successful candidate will serve as the organization's technical authority in RF technologies, collaborating across electrical, mechanical, software, ECAT communication, process, manufacturing, and product engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that improve system performance, reliability, and customer value. This position combines technical leadership, organizational leadership, technology strategy, supplier engagement, and customer interaction.
Required Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering , Physics, or a related technical discipline with 15+ years of relevant industry experience; or
- ✓Master's degree with 12+ years of relevant experience; or
- ✓PhD with 10 + years of experience in semiconductor or related capital equipment development.
Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.
Additional Information
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Who We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary
$206,000.00 - $283,500.00
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 .
RF System Design & Development
- •Lead the technical vision, development, integration, and qualification of advanced RF subsystems and technologies, including:
- •RF generators
- •Matching networks
- •RF filters
- •RF diagnostics and sensors
- •ICP source designs
- •RF transmission and power distribution systems
- •Establish long-term RF technology roadmaps aligned with product and business objectives.
- •Drive development of next-generation RF architectures, platforms, and system capabilities.
- •Define system requirements, performance targets, design standards, and engineering best practices.
- •Provide executive-level technical guidance for new product development, product enhancements, and strategic technology investments.
Plasma and RF Performance Optimization
- •Partner with technology, productivity, and process engineering teams to advance understanding of RF-plasma interactions and improve system performance.
- •Analyze and optimize :
- •Plasma ignition characteristics
- •RF coupling efficiency
- •Process uniformity
- •Chamber-to-chamber matching
- •Wafer-to-wafer repeatability
- •Guide development and implementation of advanced RF control strategies for next-generation semiconductor process requirements.
System Integration & Troubleshooting
- •Provide leadership for RF system integration across semiconductor processing platforms.
- •Oversee supplier selection, technical evaluations, and strategic technology partnerships.
- •Lead resolution of complex RF, electrical, and plasma-related issues impacting product development, manufacturing, or customer operations.
- •Drive root-cause investigations using experimental data, simulation tools, and engineering analysis.
- •Partner with software engineering teams to ensure effective hardware-software integration and advanced system control.
Innovation & Technology Development
- •Evaluate emerging RF technologies, industry trends, and competitive solutions.
- •Drive innovation through development of new concepts, architectures , and system capabilities.
- •Sponsor proof-of-concept activities and technical investigations supporting long-term technology roadmaps.
- •Present technology strategies, technical findings, and business recommendations to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
Technical Leadership
- •Serve as the senior subject matter expert for RF Engineering within the organization.
- •Lead, mentor, and develop RF engineering talent through coaching, succession planning, and career development.
- •Drive execution of complex cross-functional engineering programs.
Time Type
Full time
Employee Type
Assignee / Regular
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.