Materials Project Manager

Applied Materials, Inc.; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials, Kalispell, MT, is seeking a procurement professional to secure raw materials and manage supplier relationships that support machine shop production and customer demand.

You will analyze specifications, explore alternative material options, and collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning to drive cost reductions while maintaining quality and on-time delivery in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Procure raw materials to support production schedules.
• Develop relationships with suppliers for pricing, quality, and on‑time delivery.
• Analyze drawings and specs to determine sourcing strategies.
• Identify alternative material grades to meet specs while reducing cost and lead time.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Planning on substitutions.
• Optimize material utilization and purchasing strategies to cut scrap.
• Monitor market trends and supply risks to manage sourcing proactively.
• Negotiate pricing and long-term contracts to achieve annual cost reductions.
• Maintain procurement records and supplier data in ERP systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in inventory and cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Procure raw materials to support production schedules and customer demand.
• Develop supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, quality and delivery.
• Analyze material specifications and production requirements to choose sourcing options.
• Identify alternate material grades and forms to meet requirements while reducing cost and lead time.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate substitutions and approvals.

Skills

Procurement

Supplier relations

Materials analysis

ERP/MRP proficiency

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer Salary: $68,000.00 - $93,500.00 Location: Kalispell,MT 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure raw materials required to support machine shop production schedules and customer demand.
• Develop and maintain relationships with material suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Analyze engineering drawings, material specifications, and production requirements to determine optimal material sourcing strategies.
• Identify alternative material grades, forms, dimensions, and supply options that meet engineering and customer requirements while reducing cost and lead time.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning teams to evaluate and approve material substitutions.
• Optimize material utilization by recommending stock sizes and purchasing strategies that reduce scrap and improve yield.
• Monitor market trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to proactively manage supply risks.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements to achieve annual cost reduction objectives.
• Resolve supplier performance issues related to quality, delivery, and capacity constraints.
• Support make-versus-buy evaluations and supplier capacity assessments.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier data, and material master information within ERP systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory reduction, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates expanded conceptual knowledge in own discipline and broadens capabilities
• Strong understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, material specifications, and machining processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, and material certifications.
• Knowledge of material substitutions and equivalent grades (e.g., identifying alternative alloys, tempers, dimensions, or material forms).
• Understanding of yield optimization, nesting, and material utilization principles.
• Experience managing raw material supply risks and developing contingency sourcing plans.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Business Expertise

• Understands key business drivers; uses this understanding to accomplish own work

Leadership

• No supervisory responsibilities but provides informal guidance to new team members

Problem Solving

• Solves problems in straightforward situations; analyzes possible solutions using technical experience and judgment and precedents

Impact

• Impacts quality of own work and the work of others on the team; works within guidelines and policies
• Achieve measurable annual cost savings through strategic sourcing and material optimization.
• Minimize production disruptions caused by raw material shortages.
• Improve material utilization and reduce scrap costs through strategic purchasing decisions.
• Develop alternative sourcing and material substitution strategies that improve supply continuity and reduce lead times.
• Maintain supplier delivery and quality performance at established targets.

Interpersonal Skills

• Explains complex information to others in straightforward situations
• Responsible for sourcing and procuring raw materials used in machining and manufacturing operations, including bar stock, plate, tubing, castings, forgings, and specialty metals.
• Leverages technical knowledge of materials and machining processes to identify alternative material grades, sizes, and supply sources that improve availability, reduce cost, optimize yield, and support production requirements.

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.

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