Technical Artist

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.

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About the Role

We are seeking an Advanced Technical Artist to help build the next generation of immersive VR training simulations for semiconductor manufacturing technicians. This role sits at the intersection of art, engineering, and real-time performance, transforming highly mechanical, process-driven environments into engaging, realistic, and effective learning experiences.

You will collaborate closely with engineers, instructional designers, and developers to create VR content that accurately reflects real-world semiconductor tools and procedures-while still being intuitive, approachable, and enjoyable for learners.

Key Responsibilities

3D Content Creation & Optimization

• Develop high-fidelity 3D mechanical assets (tools, chambers, subassemblies, fixtures, cleanroom environments) for real-time VR applications
• Ensure models balance visual realism with performance constraints for standalone and PC-based VR
• Create and manage LOD strategies, mesh optimization, and texture atlasing for complex mechanical systems

Technical Art & Pipeline Ownership

• Own and improve the technical art pipeline from DCC tools (Maya, Blender, Substance, etc.) into Unity or Unreal
• Author and optimize materials, shaders, lighting setups, and VFX suitable for VR
• Work closely with engineers to debug performance issues related to draw calls, memory, lighting, and shaders

VR-Focused Interaction Support

• Collaborate with developers to support interactive behaviors such as part manipulation, assembly/disassembly, tool operation, and state-driven animations
• Prepare assets for physics-based interactions, animation rigging, and real-time constraints
• Help translate real-world mechanical motion and constraints into believable VR interactions

Learning Experience Enhancement

• Partner with instructional designers to ensure visuals support learning objectives, procedural clarity, and spatial understanding
• Add subtle visual cues, affordances, and polish to make complex procedures feel intuitive and engaging
• Maintain accuracy while finding creative ways to make highly technical content more approachable and fun to learn

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with subject matter experts (manufacturing engineers, technicians) to validate mechanical accuracy and realism
• Provide technical guidance to junior artists and contribute to studio best practices
• Document standards, workflows, and optimization techniques

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Technical Artist or Senior 3D Artist in games, simulation, or real-time 3D
• Strong hard-surface 3D modeling skills, especially for mechanical or industrial assets
• Hands-on experience delivering content in Unity and/or Unreal Engine
• Solid understanding of real-time rendering, shaders, lighting, and performance optimization
• Experience creating assets specifically for VR (Quest, PCVR, or similar platforms)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD data, or reference-heavy technical documentation

Required applications

• Blender
• Maya
• ZBrush
• Substance Painter
• Photoshop
• 3ds Max
• UV Mapping
• Texture Baking
• PBR Texturing
• Digital Sculpting

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Experience converting or optimizing CAD or engineering models for real-time use
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing equipment or other industrial domains (manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices)
• Experience with Substance Designer/Painter, custom shader development, or node-based material workflows
• Understanding of VR interaction patterns, UX constraints, and user comfort considerations

What Success Looks Like

• VR simulations that feel mechanically authentic, performant, and visually polished
• Complex tools and procedures that technicians can intuitively understand in VR
• Training experiences that balance serious industrial accuracy with engaging, immersive design

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting-edge VR training used in real manufacturing environments
• Influence how technicians learn and operate some of the world's most advanced equipment
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that values craft, clarity, and realism
• Opportunity to shape technical standards and creative direction in a growing VR studio

Additional Information

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Relocation Eligible:

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.