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Waveguide Solutions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... We are seeking a full-time Waveguide Design Engineer with experience in nanophotonic modelling ...

At Waveguide, we build relationships. Whether it's your relationship with a client, or the ... Provide solutions for presentation needs occasionally under high-pressure circumstances

CLIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER - IL Salary: $85000 - $90000 / year At Waveguide, we build relationships ... The candidate must be able to problem solve to troubleshoot and provide solutions for presentation ...

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Waveguide Solutions information

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$20

$32

$55

How much do waveguide solutions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for waveguide solutions in the United States is $32.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Waveguide Solutions?

Waveguide solutions refer to the design, implementation, and optimization of waveguides, which are structures that guide electromagnetic waves, such as light or radio frequencies, from one point to another. These solutions are crucial in fields like telecommunications, radar systems, and photonics, where efficient transmission of signals is required. Professionals in this area work on developing waveguide components, troubleshooting signal losses, and enhancing performance for applications like fiber optics, microwave transmission, and integrated optical circuits.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Waveguide Solutions, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Waveguide Solutions often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise alignment and fabrication of waveguides, managing signal loss, and integrating new materials or technologies into existing systems. Addressing these requires strong attention to detail, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (like optics, electronics, and manufacturing), and staying updated with advancements in photonics and materials science. Continuous learning and teamwork are vital, as projects often involve troubleshooting and rapid prototyping to optimize performance.

What is the difference between Waveguide Solutions vs RF Engineer?

AspectWaveguide SolutionsRF Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in waveguide technologyEngineering degree, RF/microwave certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, telecommunications sitesTelecom companies, defense contractors, research institutions
Industry UsageDesign, testing, and implementation of waveguide componentsDesign and optimize radio frequency systems and components

Waveguide Solutions professionals focus on the design and application of waveguide components, often requiring specialized technical training. RF Engineers work broadly with radio frequency systems, including waveguides, but also antennas and transceivers. While both roles share industry environments and credentials, Waveguide Solutions roles are more specialized in waveguide technology, whereas RF Engineers have a broader scope in RF systems.

How does a waveguide work?

A waveguide, used in waveguide solutions roles, is a structure that directs electromagnetic waves, typically microwaves or radio frequencies, by confining them within a hollow metallic or dielectric tube. It works by guiding the waves through reflections off the interior surfaces, allowing efficient transmission with minimal loss, which is essential in high-frequency communication and radar systems. Knowledge of electromagnetic theory and precision manufacturing are important skills for working with waveguides.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Waveguide Solutions Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Waveguide Solutions Engineer, you need a solid background in physics or electrical engineering, with expertise in electromagnetic theory and optical systems. Familiarity with simulation tools like CST Microwave Studio, COMSOL Multiphysics, and CAD software, as well as relevant certifications, is often required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with teams and clients. These skills are crucial for designing, analyzing, and implementing efficient waveguide solutions in telecommunications, photonics, and related industries.
Infographic showing various Waveguide Solutions job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 1% Physical, and 99% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $66,776 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Photonics Product Design Lead - AR Waveguide Displays

Photonics Product Design Lead - AR Waveguide Displays

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$198K - $272K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Applied Materials rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$198,000.00 - $272,500.00
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.
About the Role
We Deliver Material Innovation That Changes The World. Applied Materials solutions enable virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.
We are looking for a Photonics Product Design Lead to support custom waveguide display product definition and specifications andmanage the waveguide design roadmap for the Photonics Platforms Business. This role is pivotal in externally aligning product definition and timeline with customers and internally with design engineers and production teams. From within the waveguide design team, you will partner with process engineering, manufacturing equipment engineering, production, program management and business development teams to deliver the world-leading AR display platform that will enable high-performance and excellent aesthetics see-thru displays to enable mainstream smart glasses (100M units per year).
Customer-Facing Product Design
  • Lead technical scoping and alignment for Custom AR Display products for customers

  • Write Product Requirements Documents for different customers and market segments

  • Act as a technical lead partnered with an international Business Development team to intake new opportunities and translate customer requests into product offerings

  • Clearly communicate internally customers' requirements, priorities, areas of flexibility and inflexibility

  • Clearly communicate externally our technical capabilities, product offerings and roadmap

  • Internally and externally brainstorm solutions to customers' technical problems

  • Collaborate with design engineers, prototyping and production teams to decide product design scope and deliver winning prototypes to customers

Waveguide Design Roadmap
  • Maintain custom waveguide display design feature set and roadmap

  • Communicate status and technology milestones for critical areas of the roadmap

  • Partner with waveguide design, metrology, process engineering, manufacturing equipment engineering, production, program management and business development teams

Cross-functional Leadership
  • Partner with engineering, design, and marketing teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling product features

  • Communicate system and end-user benefits internally and externally

  • Communicate product vision and priorities to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • Education: MS/PhD in Photonics or Optical Sciences

  • Experience:

  • 10+ years in nano-photonics design in industry, including 5+ years in diffractive waveguide and AR/MR see-thru display design

  • Proven track record of designing, building and debugging AR/MR displays

  • Skills:

  • Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills

  • Strong understanding of waveguide optics and AR display architectures

  • Strong understanding of Display Performance specifications and practical correlation to user experience

  • Practical hands-on experience with image quality assessment and see-thru artifacts unique to diffractive waveguides

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven track record of leading design and yield improvements from prototype through XVT to production

  • Strong understanding of Cosmetics, Aesthetics and Mechanical specifications of AR displays

  • Experience with AI Glasses or Mixed-Reality Glasses system architecture, hardware requirements and user experience

  • Familiarity with global supply chain for optical components and consumer electronics

  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive clarity across teams

Additional Information
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.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
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.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967