Lab Service Technology Director

APPLIED MATERIALS SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials engineering firm is seeking a visionary Lab Director to lead its Service Technologies Lab in Singapore. This role involves directing a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative solutions in robotics and AI service automation. Ideal candidates should possess a Master's or PhD in relevant fields, along with over 10 years of R&D leadership experience in automation or advanced technologies. This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management to drive impactful technology development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably in robotics, automation, or advanced service technologies.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary technical teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong understanding of AI, embedded systems, mechatronics, and cloud-connected platforms.

Responsibilities

• Direct an engineering group responsible for all product line issues.
• Define and drive the lab’s vision and innovation strategy.
• Build, lead and mentor a team of engineers and researchers.
• Guide the development of next-gen service technologies.
• Manage lab operations including budget and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in Robotics

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Stakeholder Management

Education

Master’s or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, AI or related field

Job description

Job Description

We are the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. For more than 55 years, our innovations have improved the lives of billions of people around the globe who may never know us by name, but who rely on us every day as they interact with technology.

The world’s brightest minds—visionaries, engineers, scientists—bring their expertise in materials engineering and come together at Applied with a collection of diverse opinions, experiences and backgrounds.

We deliver material innovation that changes the world.

We are seeking a visionary and technically adept Lab Director to lead our Service Technologies Lab in Singapore. This lab is at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting‑edge solutions in collaborative robotics (cobots), AI‑driven service automation, and intelligent hardware‑software systems. The Director will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, managing a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring successful delivery of high‑impact technologies that redefine service experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Direct an engineering group responsible for all issues across business unit product line, including the design, development and implementation of complex engineering programs in accordance with project budgets and release schedules.
• Define and drive the lab’s vision, roadmap, and innovation strategy in alignment with corporate goals.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, agility, and technical excellence.
• Represent the lab in global leadership forums and cross‑functional innovation councils.
• Interfaces with internal and external customers on technology and roadmap requirements.

Team & Project Management

• Build, lead and mentor a team of engineers and researchers across software, hardware, AI and systems integration.
• Oversee project planning, resource allocation, and execution to ensure timely and high‑quality deliverables.
• Attract, retain, and develop top technical talent.

Technology Development

• Guide the development of next‑gen service technologies including cobots, autonomous service routines, and AI‑data driven platforms.
• Ensure robust integration of hardware and software components for scalable, real‑world deployment.
• Promote best practices in prototyping, testing, and iterative development.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., product, operations, IT) to align lab output with business needs.
• Build partnerships with universities, startups, and research institutions to accelerate innovation.
• Engage with regulatory bodies and industry groups to stay ahead of compliance and standards.

Operations & Governance

• Manage lab operations including budget, infrastructure, and compliance.
• Establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms to track progress and impact.
• Ensure IP protection and contribute to patent strategy.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, AI or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably in robotics, automation, or advanced service technologies.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary technical teams and delivering complex projects.
• Strong understanding of AI, embedded systems, mechatronics, and cloud‑connected platforms.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience working in or with teams across Asia is a plus.
• Understanding of Semiconductor Equipment applications and Fab environments is a plus.

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.