Lab Operations 6S Manager

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:

Location:

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. 

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the implementation, sustainment, and continuous improvement of the 6S Program across Santa Clara Lab Operations, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and site‑specific operational needs.
• Conducts site-wide 6S audits, develops corrective action plans, and partners with functional owners to ensure timely closure and measurable improvement.
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams (Manufacturing, Logistics, Facilities, EHS, Quality) to embed 6S principles into daily operations, engineering labs, and cleanroom environments.
• Champions visual management, standard work, floor marking, labeling, and workplace organization to support safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Serves as the program owner for 6S tools and systems (e.g., PowerApps audit tools, SharePoint action trackers), maintaining version control, reporting, and dashboard visibility.
• Facilitates Kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops that integrate 6S principles to reduce waste, improve flow, and sustain operational gains.
• Partners with leadership to ensure 6S behaviors are reinforced through coaching, recognition, and aligned performance expectations.
• Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in own specialized discipline or field 

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in own specialized discipline or field 
• Applies 6S methodology to optimize workplace organization, safety, visual controls, and operational flow across complex manufacturing and lab environments
• Leverages deep knowledge of 6S audit structures, certification standards, and sustainment systems to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence

Business Expertise

• Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services

• Applies 6S principles to evaluate operational gaps, benchmark industry best practices, and recommend standardized organizational and safety improvements across manufacturing and lab environments
• Uses 6S audit data and trend analysis to inform strategic decisions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance operational readiness

Leadership

• May lead functional teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity 

• Leads cross‑functional 6S teams through audit cycles, certification readiness, and sustainment activities, ensuring ownership and accountability at all levels
• Coaches BU key personnel on 6S expectations, visual management adoption, and standardized work practices to build a culture of operational discipline

Problem Solving

• Leads others to solve complex problems; uses sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgment and identify innovative solutions

• Leverages 6S methodology to diagnose root causes, implement corrective actions, and drive long‑term solutions to organizational, safety, and process‑flow issues
• Uses structured 6S tools (e.g., red‑tag analysis, waste identification, visual flow mapping) to develop sustainable improvements in high‑complexity environments

Impact

• Impacts the achievement of customer, operational, project or service objectives; work is guided by functional policies
• Drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, and operational efficiency through consistent application of 6S standards and continuous improvement initiatives
• Influences site‑wide performance by ensuring 6S integration into daily operations, project planning, and readiness for customer or internal audits

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt a different point of view
• Uses strong communication and influencing skills to advocate for 6S practices, secure cross‑functional buy‑in, and align teams toward common organizational goals
• Facilitates 6S training, workshops, and improvement events that require clear messaging, change‑management skills, and the ability to drive behavioral adoption

Qualifications

• Lean / 6S Certification or formal training; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt strongly preferred
• PMP or project management certification is a plus

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Skills

• Understanding of 6S audit structures, certification criteria, and sustainment systems
• Familiarity with PowerApps, Smartsheet, SharePoint, or other digital tools used for 6S audits, action tracking, and reporting
• Proficiency with project management systems and standard reporting tools (dashboards, metrics tracking)
• Understanding of cleanroom, lab, or semiconductor operations is highly desirable
• Knowledge of EHS requirements, safety protocols, and compliance processes (integral to the Safety component of 6S)
• High attention to detail with a disciplined approach to standardization and sustainment
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable working in fast‑paced, complex environments
• Ability to navigate resistance and influence cultural change

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.