1

Waveguide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a full-time Waveguide Design Engineer with experience in nanophotonic modelling, design, and fabrication, to develop the next generation AR products with unrivalled performance. This ...

The Integration & Test Technician supports the assembly, integration, tuning, testing, and verification of RF microwave and waveguide-based components used in ground station antenna systems. About ...

This position is responsible for 1) simulating and analyzing waveguide and waveguide stack mechanical and thermal model, 2) collaborating with backend engineers, characterizing the experimental ...

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

This position is responsible for 1) simulating and analyzing waveguide and waveguide stack mechanical and thermal model, 2) collaborating with backend engineers, characterizing the experimental ...

Senior CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123.10K - $169.10K/yr

You will develop, maintain and teach others about design methods and best practices, perform spacecraft-level design tasks such as waveguide routing and panel configuration, and manage spacecraft ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

You will work with waveguide and waveguide couplers, coaxial cables, and high-voltage power supplies. Work Environment May be a combination of the following but not limited to: * Manufacturing ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

You will work with waveguide and waveguide couplers, coaxial cables, and high-voltage power supplies. Work Environment May be a combination of the following but not limited to: * Manufacturing ...

Senior Optical Engineer, XR

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122.50K - $168.20K/yr

Design and simulate the next generation waveguide display systems. * Collaborate with optical system, and manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and process integration.

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

You will work with waveguide and waveguide couplers, coaxial cables, and high-voltage power supplies. Work Environment May be a combination of the following but not limited to: * Manufacturing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Waveguide information

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

To thrive as a Waveguide Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, and electromagnetics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software like HFSS or CST, experience with vector network analyzers, and knowledge of RF/microwave measurement techniques are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help engineers design reliable systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring the optimal design, testing, and implementation of waveguide components in high-frequency communication and radar systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working as waveguide engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Waveguide engineers often encounter challenges such as precision alignment, managing signal losses, and ensuring compatibility with other optical or RF components. Working with sensitive materials and maintaining strict tolerances requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as design, manufacturing, and testing—is common, and effective communication is key to resolving integration issues. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements can help professionals address these challenges successfully.

What are waveguides?

Waveguides are structures that direct the flow of electromagnetic waves, such as light or microwaves, from one point to another. They are commonly used in telecommunications, radar, and optical fiber systems to efficiently transmit signals with minimal loss. Waveguides can be made from metal, dielectric, or a combination of materials, and their shape and size are carefully designed to support specific frequencies and modes of propagation. Their main advantage is the ability to control and confine electromagnetic energy, making them essential in high-frequency and optical applications.

What is the difference between Waveguide vs RF Engineer?

AspectWaveguideRF Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in waveguide technologyEngineering degree, RF certifications (e.g., FCC, RF certification)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centersTelecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace industries
Industry UsageDesign and development of microwave and millimeter-wave systemsDesign, testing, and optimization of radio frequency systems

While waveguides are physical components used to direct microwave signals, RF engineers design and optimize systems that utilize these components. Both roles often overlap in industries like telecommunications and aerospace, but waveguide specialists focus on the hardware, whereas RF engineers work on system-level performance.

What cities in California are hiring for Waveguide jobs? Cities in California with the most Waveguide job openings:
Photonics Product Design Lead - AR Waveguide Displays

Photonics Product Design Lead - AR Waveguide Displays

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$198K - $272.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Applied Materials rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 511 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.

What Applied Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Applied Materials logo

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