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# Hardware/Design Engineer: Robotics

- **Company:** Applied Materials
- **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $152,000 - $208,500
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer Vision, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Encodings, Computer Programming, SolidWorks (CAD), Decision Support Systems, Document-Oriented Databases, Python (Programming Language), Reliability Engineering, System Testing, Systems Integration, Visual Systems, Pytorch, System-level Testing
- **Published:** November 7, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.themuse.com/jobs/appliedmaterials/hardwaredesign-engineer-robotics

## About the Role

* Education: BS or MS in robotics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering or related

 * 5+ years working preferably in semiconductor equipment manufacturing and wafer transfer robotics

 * Proficiency in SolidWorks, NX or similar.

 * Experience with precision transmission components, brushless motors, encoders, and vacuum seals.

 * Programming and control fluency in C++, Python, ROS2, or PLC/embedded motion controllers.

 * Computer vision and PyTorch experience is a plus

## Description

We are seeking a highly skilled robotics engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of high-precision wafer transfer robots and atmospheric/vacuum handling systems. In this role, you will design, integrate and test next gen robotic mechanisms, end-effectors, and motion control configuration that move fragile silicon wafers with micron-level precision in ultra-clean environments. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of mechatronics, precision motion control, and strict contamination constraints required in semiconductor fab equipment.

Roles and responsibilities

 * Mechanical & Mechatronics Design: Design high-rigidity, low-vibration robotic arms, SCARA/articulated configurations, and end-effectors using SolidWorks and NX.

 * Cleanroom & Vacuum Optimization: Engineer systems for ultra-clean, high-vacuum, or inert gas environments, selecting low-particle-generation materials and magnetic/direct-drive actuators.

 * System Integration: Integrate robot hardware with PLCSs, vision systems, optical sensors, and fab automation software.

 * System testing: Proficiency in DOE and its execution. Unit testing, partition testing and overall system-level testing.

 * Data-driven decision making: Collect and document data during test

 * Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering: Diagnose tool errors, optimize Mean Time Between Failures, and design maintenance programs to reduce cost of ownership

 * Motion Control & Precision Alignment: Program micron level positioning repeatability, trajectory planning and vibration suppression algorithms using closed-loop control systems.

 * Working with robotics suppliers and integrators and checking the quality of their work

 * Documentation: Release drawings, part numbers, PLM, design reviews