Applied Materials, Inc

Director, EPIC Lab Operations

Applied Materials, Inc • $164K — $225K *
Santa Clara, CA 95051In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

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

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lead and oversee 24/7 lab operations, including Production Control Center (PCC) activities and cleanroom floor operations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for customer and tenant concerns related to lab operations.
  • Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and 8D.
  • Monitor and ensure achievement of daily Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO) targets.

Benefits

  • Full-time position
  • Relocation Eligible
  • Travel required (25% of the time)
  • Comprehensive benefits package available
  • Potential for participation in a bonus and stock award program
Full Job Description
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 time

Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular

Travel:
Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:
Yes

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.

About Applied Materials, Inc

Applied Materials specialize in materials engineering solutions. They optimize equipment and fab operations through consulting, spare parts, services, and automation software. They also provide supply chain services from transactional spares through programs, rebuilds, and forecasted parts management. Their products and technologies include semiconductors, displays, roll web coating, solar, and automation software.

**Applied Materials, Inc. Careers**

Join the innovative world of Applied Materials, Inc., a leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our global team is driving innovation and growth in the industries we serve. This is where your expertise can make a true impact.

Work You’ll Do

At Applied Materials, Inc., you will be part of a company that prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and professional growth. As a member of our team, you will lead groundbreaking projects at the intersection of technology, leadership, and engineering excellence. We offer a variety of job opportunities that allow you to explore your potential and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. You will work alongside the brightest minds in the industry, utilizing your skills to contribute to projects that are not only exciting but also crucial for technological advancements. Our leadership is committed to providing you with the guidance and support needed to achieve your career goals.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you are looking for an internship, a full-time position, or leadership roles, Applied Materials, Inc. provides an array of career paths to help you achieve your professional aspirations. Our commitment to career growth is evident through extensive training programs and opportunities for advancement.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Applied Materials, Inc., we believe that diversity fuels innovation. We are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the global communities we serve. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance collaboration and foster an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a range of benefits that support both their professional and personal lives. From health and wellness programs to competitive retirement plans, we ensure that our team is taken care of. The culture at Applied Materials, Inc. is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence.

Join Our Team

Explore the job opportunities at Applied Materials, Inc. and find the position that matches your skills and passions. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, creative, and ready to drive innovation in a dynamic industry.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights by joining our network. Engage with us on professional networking platforms and stay ahead in your career journey.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s dedicated to materializing the technologies of tomorrow. Discover the impact you can make at Applied Materials, Inc. and help us shape the future.

SEARCH APPLIED MATERIALS JOBS

--- This page for Applied Materials, Inc. Careers incorporates all the requested elements, maintaining the "Company Content Style" with a focus on innovation, career growth, and the dynamic team environment.
Learn more about Applied Materials, Inc
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$80.7 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$3.8 billion
Founded
1967
5 Year Trend
+11.9%
Revenue
$18.2 billion
NASDAQ
AMAT
* Ladders Estimates

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