Technical Lead – Algorithm Developer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relocation Eligible

• 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.