New College Grad System Engineer (Material Characterization)

Location: Santa Clara, California, United States; onsite role. Relocation eligible.

Salary: $138,000–$190,000 per year.

Company

hirify.global develops materials science, engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, inspection, and metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor chips and displays.

What you will do

• Evaluate optical and sensor-based material-characterization methods, including fluorescence, hyperspectral and polarization imaging, FTIR, SIMS/DART/DESI, and LIBS.
• Develop analytical and numerical models using physics theory, FDTD/RCWA, ray tracing, and wave-optics simulations.
• Build and align benchtop optical setups, run experiments, and analyze results with Python and MATLAB.
• Create decision matrices and present technical recommendations covering feasibility, performance, integration complexity, throughput, footprint, and risk.
• Define system requirements and collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithm engineering teams to develop prototypes and products.
• Develop test plans, calibration and diagnostic protocols; support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, verification, validation, and engineering documentation.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Material Sciences, or a related field, with experience in material characterization.
• Strong academic background in physics, optics, engineering fundamentals, and material-science characterization methods.
• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, internships, projects, or research.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or an equivalent language for data collection and analysis.
• Analytical, methodical problem-solving skills and strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to learn quickly and collaborate in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Nice to have

• Internship or co-op experience in semiconductor equipment, instrumentation, or photonics.
• Familiarity with optical systems, imaging, or laser-based instruments.
• Experience with test automation, data acquisition systems, manufacturing, cleanroom, or laboratory operations.
• Coursework or project experience in systems engineering.

Culture & Benefits

• Supportive work culture focused on learning, experimentation, professional development, and innovation.
• Comprehensive employee benefits and programs supporting health and wellbeing.
• Potential eligibility for bonus and stock award programs, subject to applicable conditions.
• Commitment to diversity, equal employment opportunity, and accessibility.