Manager, Process Technician

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a front-line manager to lead the Electron Microscopy and materials characterization lab. You will supervise a team of professionals, keep the lab running on schedule, and help grow both the team and analytical capabilities.

This role is ideal for a strong individual contributor moving into people leadership, with responsibilities including prioritization, hands-on problem solving, and presenting technical results to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant technical experience, including 1–2 years leading or coordinating others.
• Strong background in Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM) or broad metrology knowledge.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; able to present to upper management.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to a team of professional and skilled technical staff, setting priorities and removing roadblocks to meet commitments.
• Serve as a technical and operational advisor to the team, stepping in hands-on when needed to keep schedules on track and resolve problems.
• Track and analyze performance of direct reports and lab equipment, using data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Sustain and continuously improve lab workflows, recommending changes to team processes, protocols, and policies.
• Recruit, interview, hire skilled new talent, and administer company policies fairly and consistently.
• Build strong working relationships with direct reports, peers, and management.
• Present technical information on projects, schedules, and results to stakeholders, and secure cooperation across teams.

Skills

Electron Microscopy

Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering

Tools

Metrology techniques

Failure analysis

Job description

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: $101,000.00 - $139,000.00

Location: Santa Clara,CA

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.

About The Role

We're hiring a front‑line manager to lead a team of technical contributors in our Electron Microscopy and materials characterization lab. You'll provide day‑to‑day supervision, keep the lab running to schedule, and help develop both the team and our analytical capabilities. This is an ideal step for a strong individual contributor ready to move into people’s leadership, or an early‑career manager looking to grow.

What you’ll do

• Provide direct supervision to a team of professional and skilled technical staff, setting priorities and removing roadblocks to meet commitments.
• Serve as a technical and operational advisor to the team, stepping in hands‑on when needed to keep schedules on track and resolve problems.
• Track and analyze the performance of both direct reports and lab equipment, using data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Sustain and continuously improve established lab workflows, recommending changes to team processes, protocols, and policies.
• Recruit, interview, hire skilled new talent, and administer company policies fairly and consistently.
• Build strong working relationships and rapport with direct reports, peers, and management.
• Present technical information on projects, schedules, and results to stakeholders, and secure cooperation across teams.

What You’ll Need (required)

• 5+ years of relevant technical experience, with at least 1–2 years leading, mentoring, or coordinating others (formal management experience a plus).
• Strong technical background in Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM), or broad working knowledge of metrology techniques and failure analysis.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the judgment to act within established procedures, protocol, and policies.
• Ability to analyze situations and data, weighing relevant factors before recommending action.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort presenting technical material to upper management.
• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent experience.

Nice to have (preferred)

• Prior people‑management or team‑lead experience in a lab, fab, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing lab equipment uptime, calibration, or maintenance programs.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processes and a data‑driven approach to performance tracking.

Impact

Decisions in this role directly affect team output and lab schedules; sound judgment keeps projects and deliverables on time.

Applied Materials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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 [e-mail], 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.