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:
$200,000.00 - $275,000.00Location:
Tempe Spares Mfg,AZYou’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.
What You'll Do
The Senior Director of Operations is responsible for leading manufacturing operations and enterprise transformation initiatives across safety, quality, delivery, cost, customer satisfaction, innovation, and workforce development. This executive role provides end-to-end ownership of the manufacturing value chain, including materials qualification, production processes, quality assurance, supply chain integration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
This role reports to the Vice President / General Manager and leads manufacturing, operations engineering, quality, continuous improvement, production planning, and associated support functions.
MissionBuild and scale a world-class manufacturing organization capable of supporting long-term growth, operational excellence, customer success, and industry-leading performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesProvide executive leadership across advanced manufacturing operations and production facilities.
Own end-to-end manufacturing performance, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory management, cost, and customer satisfaction.
Lead operational transformation through automation, digital manufacturing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence applications, and smart factory initiatives.
Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business growth, capacity expansion, and future technology roadmaps.
Lead supplier quality management, material qualification programs, and process control systems.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, throughput optimization, yield improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
Develop organizational capability through leadership development, coaching, succession planning, and talent management.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, sales, and product teams to drive business objectives and customer success.
15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience within advanced manufacturing, engineered materials, industrial technology, precision manufacturing, or related industries.
Demonstrated expertise in complex manufacturing environments involving highly controlled processes, quality systems, and operational excellence disciplines.
Experience leading multi-step production, processing, assembly, inspection, and quality assurance operations.
Strong understanding of manufacturing process optimization, material performance characteristics, quality control, and production scalability.
Experience implementing automation, digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Proven track record of improving operational performance, productivity, quality, and customer outcomes.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
Master's degree and/or MBA preferred.
15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
8+ years leading large-scale, multi-site, or highly complex manufacturing organizations.
Demonstrated success driving operational transformation, capacity expansion, automation deployment, and business growth.
Strong financial, operational, and strategic leadership capabilities.
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
- 15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in advanced manufacturing or related industries.
- 8+ years leading large-scale, multi-site, or highly complex manufacturing organizations.
- Experience leading multi-step production, processing, assembly, inspection, and quality assurance operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in complex manufacturing environments with controlled processes and quality systems.
- Experience implementing automation, digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
- Proven track record of improving operational performance, productivity, quality, and customer outcomes.
- Strong financial, operational, and strategic leadership capabilities.
- Experience driving continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, throughput optimization, and operational excellence methodologies.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Operations Management, or related technical discipline.
- Master's degree and/or MBA.
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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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual and performance bonuses are often characterized as generous and predictable, with multiple programs (AIP/DBI/SIP) explicitly highlighted. Feedback suggests these incentives meaningfully augment base pay across many roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Restricted Stock Units and an employee stock purchase plan are standard components of offers, and strong stock performance has made equity a notable upside. In some roles, RSUs and refreshers provide a meaningful boost to total compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, alongside EAP support and on‑site/virtual health centers in key locations, are emphasized as part of a robust package. Benefits typically start on day one, and the breadth of coverage is highlighted as a core strength.
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.
