AI/ML Algorithm Developer

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

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. 

Job Description

About Rocket

Rocket is a team within Applied dedicated to advancing and scaling rapid innovation methodologies across the organization. We focus on accelerating breakthrough technologies by combining deep scientific expertise, advanced computational methods, and practical engineering to solve complex challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Algorithm Developer to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), theoretical physics, and systems engineering. In this role, you will drive the development of next-generation solutions for high-impact semiconductor manufacturing applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to multiple disruptive design initiatives by developing automated systems capable of ingesting and processing data from thousands of sensors, identifying critical physics-based relationships, and building predictive and control models. These solutions will leverage a hybrid approach that combines first-principles physics modeling with advanced machine learning techniques, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), to optimize complex manufacturing processes in real time.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable data pipelines to collect, process, and analyze high-volume sensor data from semiconductor manufacturing systems.
• Identify and model underlying physical relationships governing complex process behavior.
• Develop predictive and control algorithms using a combination of traditional physics-based methods and machine learning approaches.
• Build robust, maintainable software modules that integrate directly with real-world manufacturing tools and systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams spanning physics, engineering, software development, and data science to accelerate innovation and technology deployment.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of intelligent automation solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Develop ML surrogates or reduced order models, based on rigorous physics simulations, including research, design, development and implementation & proliferation accompanying in accordance with project budgets and time schedules.
• Optimize accuracy / performance tradeoffs, to retain achieve but speed execution of algorithm modules
• Analyze large quantities of sensor and metrology data, and iteratively improve simulation and models to improve accuracy
• Implement models and code for user facing applications, in control systems or dashboards
• Maintain a clean and consistent code base, that can be extended by team

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in theoretical and computational disciplines, coupled with practical software development expertise. You are passionate about applying scientific principles to solve real-world engineering challenges and are equally comfortable moving between mathematical modeling, machine learning, and software implementation.

You should demonstrate:

• Deep expertise in one or more areas of theoretical physics, applied mathematics, computational science, or simulation-driven engineering.
• Working knowledge of modern machine learning, data science, and statistical modeling techniques.
• Strong software engineering capabilities, including the ability to translate complex algorithms into clean, scalable, and production-ready code.
• A practical mindset focused on delivering solutions that interact with and control physical systems in real-world environments.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline, or
• Master’s degree in one of the above fields with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry or research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality, maintainable code, evidenced through public GitHub repositories, open-source contributions, peer-reviewed publications, or equivalent technical work.
• Experience with computational methods, computer-aided engineering (CAE), engineering simulation, physical modeling, or the analysis of complex systems, with a focus on practical and impactful outcomes.
• Experience applying machine learning techniques to scientific, engineering, or industrial problems.
• Strong interest in sensors, instrumentation, hardware systems, robotics, or other technologies that bridge software with physical-world applications.
• Proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary environments and solve ambiguous, complex technical problems.

Why Join Rocket?

Rocket offers a unique opportunity to w