Applications Engineer - Prototyping

Division: Plasma Control Technologies )

Location:

San Jose, CA, US, 95131

Requisition

Applications Engineer - Prototyping

For over 75 years, we have been following our curiosity. It drives us and has made Comet a leading Swiss technology company worldwide. Curiosity and the spirit of research have allowed us to become and remain innovative. For a better and sustainable world.

We develop and produce innovative high‑tech components and systems based on X‑ray and radio‑frequency technology. Our developments make an important contribution to safer, more efficient and more sustainable production, mobility and communication.

In the Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) division, we manufacture specialized components that are required for the precise control of plasma processes and are used in the production of memory chips or touch screens for sensors, smartphones or tablets.

• Provide advanced RF engineering support for integration, optimization, and troubleshooting of RF Matching Networks, RF Generators, and related RF subsystems.
• Utilize hands‑on fabrication, machining, and mechanical engineering capabilities to support fixturing, prototype development, and practical problem‑solving during customer tool integration.

• Integrate RF subsystems into semiconductor manufacturing equipment and verify performance.
• Perform RF characterization, impedance matching, and power delivery optimization.
• Design, modify, or fabricate fixtures, brackets, mechanical interfaces, and test assemblies to support lab evaluation or customer integration (including the operation of machine shop tools such as mill, lathe, drill press, band saw for quick‑turn prototyping).
• Build, assemble, or modify mechanical components required for RF experiments or tool fit checks.
• Conduct lab testing, data analysis, and troubleshooting, including root‑cause investigation combining RF and mechanical considerations.
• Support pre‑sales and post‑sales efforts with technical presentations, demonstrations, and customer training.
• Provide actionable customer feedback to R&D for both RF and mechanical interface improvements.
• Generate documentation, application notes, build instructions, and technical illustrations.
• Provide on‑site and remote customer support, including hands‑on adjustments and mechanical modifications.
• Mentor junior engineers in both RF and practical fabrication techniques.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, RF Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in RF applications or semiconductor equipment plus hands‑on fabrication experience.
• Practical machining or fabrication experience (milling, turning, CNC, manual tools).
• Familiarity with mechanical drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and fixture design (preferred).
• Understanding of Smith charts, S‑parameters, RF circuit design, and RF test fundamentals.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, fixturing, or mechanical modification for testing environments (preferred).

The target salary range for this job is approximately $140,000 to $155,000 annually.

Job summaries account for a range of qualifications, skills, and experience that can be considered. We are committed to making fair and equitable job offers based on a number of factors including but not limited to the job scope, market conditions, and candidate skill level and depth of experience.

Comet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Comet does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

• Work on innovative solutions for global technical challenges
• Benefit from flexible working options
• Take part in Comet’s success through profit sharing
• Work with international colleagues and grow as a team
• Enjoy our diverse educational and career opportunities
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision care, tuition reimbursement, a 401(k) plan, and a generous paid‑time‑off package

We are curious about you and look forward to receiving your complete online application and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For this vacancy, we only consider direct applications. Submissions from recruitment agencies will not be considered.