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:
$164,000.00 - $225,500.00Location:
Santa Clara,CAYou’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.
The Director, Lab Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end lab operations to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient production execution. This role drives daily performance across Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO), oversees cleanroom and production control activities, and partners with engineering and customers to meet operational objectives. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Output Execution
- Drive achievement of daily, weekly, and quarterly production targets.
- Maximize equipment utilization by ensuring tools are effectively run when available (UTP).
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain throughput.
Quality Management
- Ensure adherence to strict quality standards to protect wafer integrity throughout all processes.
- Promote a "product-as-customer" mindset, reinforcing ownership of quality at every operational step.
- Prevent contamination, defects, and handling-related damage through disciplined execution.
Operations Oversight
- Lead and oversee 24/7 lab operations, including:
- Production Control Center (PCC) activities (staffed per shift)
- Cleanroom floor operations through Team Leaders and Clean Room Operators (CROs)
- Ensure alignment and seamless coordination between operations, engineering, and support teams.
Customer/Tenant Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customer and tenant concerns related to lab operations.
- Ensure timely issue resolution, transparent communication, and follow-through on corrective actions.
Incident Investigation & Problem Solving
- Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and 8D.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence of issues.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Monitor and ensure achievement of daily Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO) targets.
- Provide clear, data-driven explanations for deviations, including root cause and recovery plans.
- Report operational performance, risks, and improvements to the Fab Manager.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Participate in Change Review Boards (CRBs) as required.
- Lead weekly production meetings with Engineering to review tool status, performance, and priorities.
- Collaborate with business units and stakeholders to support operational goals.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices
- Apply Lean principles through Gemba (go-and-see) practices to observe operations firsthand.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement across teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or similar environments
- Proven leadership experience managing operations teams in a high-volume or R&D fab setting
- Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent)
- Strong leadership and team management skills in a 24/7 operational environment
- Deep understanding of lab operations, equipment utilization, and production control
- Expertise in problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, 8D, RCA)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Data-driven decision-making and performance management
- Strong customer focus and ability to manage escalations effectively
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
Assignee / RegularTravel:
Yes, 25% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:
YesThe 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or similar environments
- Proven leadership experience managing operations teams in a high-volume or R&D fab setting
- Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent)
- Strong leadership and team management skills in a 24/7 operational environment
- Deep understanding of lab operations, equipment utilization, and production control
- Expertise in problem-solving methodologies (5 Whys, 8D, RCA)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Data-driven decision-making and performance management
- Strong customer focus and ability to manage escalations effectively
Applied Materials Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Applied Materials and has not been reviewed or approved by Applied Materials.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards, with a 401(k) match structure and auto-enrollment described alongside participation in stock-related programs. The combination of matching and purchase discounts is presented as strengthening longer-term financial benefits beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is characterized as comprehensive, spanning medical/dental/vision as well as life and disability protections, with additional support like EAP and virtual care. Onsite fitness/health centers in certain locations further reinforce the sense of a robust health and wellness benefits stack.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are described as broad, including flexible/unlimited PTO in some roles, paid holidays, sick time, bereavement leave, and parental leave. Flex-time and flexible hours appear repeatedly as part of the overall rewards experience.
Applied Materials Insights
What We Do
Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future.
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