Mechanical Engineer III - (E3)

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:

$108,000.00 - $148,500.00

Location:

Austin,TX

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. 

As a Mechanical Engineer, you’ll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to process and resolve mechanical problems, design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes, and enable the handling, assembly, and disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and modifying mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations-- and you'll coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.

Job Description: Mechanical Engineer – Robotics & End-of-Arm Tooling

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with expertise in robotics and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) design to support the development of advanced automation systems. This role involves designing, developing, and integrating robotic tooling solutions, along with hands-on involvement in testing, programming, and system validation.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical design fundamentals with practical robotics experience and basic programming skills to deliver scalable, high-performance automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Robotics & EOAT Design

• Automation system architecture development including robot selection and validation and End of arm tooling design
• Design and develop end-of-arm tooling (grippers, torque tools, inspection tools, etc.) for robotic applications
• Optimize EOAT for performance, precision, accessibility, and manufacturability
• Define mechanical interfaces between robot, tooling, and process components
• Develop concepts for automated handling of complex parts and assemblies
• Interface with critical OEM suppliers delivering state-of-the-art automation technologies

2. System Integration

• Integrate EOAT with robotic systems, including mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces
• Collaborate with controls and software engineers to ensure seamless system operation
• Resolve integration challenges across subsystems (robot arm, sensors, actuators, fixtures)
• Create motion models to analyse clearances using simulation tools like RoboDK or similar

3. Prototyping & Validation

• Build and test prototypes of tooling and automation concepts
• Develop test plans and execute validation for functionality, durability, and repeatability
• Analyze performance data and iterate designs based on testing outcomes

4. Programming & Automation Support

• Develop and modify robot programs (e.g., motion sequences, tool paths, process logic)
• Support integration of sensors, vision systems, and feedback loops
• Work with scripting/tools (Python, ROS, PLC logic, or vendor-specific robot languages) to enable automation workflows

5. Design for Automation (DfA / DfAS)

• Drive product and system design improvements for robotic accessibility, serviceability, and repeatability
• Define design guidelines and standards for automation-friendly hardware
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable scalable automation

6. Documentation & Communication

• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and design documentation
• Author specifications for EOAT and robotic subsystems
• Present technical solutions and trade-offs to stakeholders

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.

Business Expertise

• Demonstrates an understanding of best practices and how their area of expertise aligns with other departments; maintains awareness of competitors and the elements that distinguish them within the marketplace.

Leadership

• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience may lead small to medium projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
• Works independently without supervision.

Problem Solving

• Addresses difficult problems, evaluates existing solutions from different viewpoints, and makes decisions using information from various sources.
• Able to provide creative automation solutions.

Impact

• Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies.

Interpersonal Skills

• Clarifies complex or sensitive topics; fosters consensus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 3–8+ years of experience in mechanical design with exposure to robotics or automation
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, Crea)
• Experience designing mechanical systems, assemblies, and tooling
• Understanding of robotic systems, kinematics, and coordinate systems
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing end-of-arm tooling (grippers, vacuum tools, torque tools)
• Familiarity with industrial or collaborative robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, UR, KUKA)
• Programming experience (Python, C++, ROS, or robot-specific languages)
• Knowledge of sensors, vision systems, and automation controls
• Experience in semiconductor equipment, manufacturing automation, or service robotics

Key Skills

• Mechanical design and analysis
• Robotics integration and system thinking
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Hands-on engineering and prototyping

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 [email protected], 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.