Sourcing specialist

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

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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. 

Location: Santa Clara, California – 3–5 days a week in office

Organization: Global Sourcing and Procurement (GSP)

Category: Planning, Engineering & Construction (PEC)

Specialization: Tool Installation – GC-led Tool Install sourcing; tool hook-up design, pedestal fabrication, mechanical install unit-price programs; specialty trades and equipment services

As a Category Specialist within the Global Sourcing and Procurement team, you will support sourcing initiatives, contract and supplier management for a stable portfolio of tool installation–related suppliers and programs. This role requires regular on-site presence to engage directly with stakeholders, build strong relationships, and develop a deep understanding of their business needs and priorities. You will apply your expertise to solve complex sourcing challenges, contribute to supplier strategies, and help drive value across day-to-day highly technical, execution-heavy Tool Installation delivery in Santa Clara. This workload operates as an always-on system spanning RFx execution across GCs, trades, equipment, and specialty services, including sustained program revision cycles and ongoing supplier bench development.

• Support execution of Tool Installation sourcing strategies for assigned services and materials, aligned with business goals and delivery timelines.
• Manage strategic sourcing processes including RFI/RFP development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contracting, with emphasis on GC-led Tool Installation and subtrade ecosystems.
• Lead RFx execution for Tool Install programs including tool hook-up design, pedestal fabrication, and mechanical tool installation unit-price programs.
• Drive long-lead sourcing programs and coordinate requirements across schedule, QA, delivery, and field execution interfaces.
• Develop and stabilize specialty trade benches through onboarding, scope standardization, and continuity planning.
• Engage onsite with Engineering, Facilities, Finance, Legal, and BU stakeholders to understand project requirements and sourcing needs.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure performance, innovation, and issue resolution.
• Monitor market trends, cost drivers, and supply risks affecting Tool Install capacity and delivery sequencing.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Document sourcing activities and contribute to standard scopes, unit-price structures, and playbooks for repeatable execution.
• Maintain working proficiency in cost control activities including benchmarking inputs, change order validation support, and supplier performance governance.

• Depth in strategic sourcing for construction and technical services applied to Tool Installation ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of construction execution challenges in complex technical R&D environments operating under GC-led models.
• Ability to solve first-generation problems without established precedent.
• Experience supporting cross-functional sourcing initiatives with frequent onsite coordination.
• Skill in contract negotiation, supplier management, and specialty trade bench development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills supporting in-person stakeholder engagement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management with emphasis on technical services, construction execution, or tool installation enabling scopes.

Additional Information

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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.