Supplier Account Technologist

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Supplier Account Technologist to bridge internal engineering, customer needs, and supplier capabilities. You will help identify technology gaps, evaluate supplier competencies, and drive next‑gen solutions supporting strategic objectives.

Work with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to understand technical challenges, influence roadmaps, and lead initiatives that advance the company’s competitive position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in engineering or related technical role.
• Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, or technology partners.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Engage with suppliers to influence long‑term technical investment and development roadmaps.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external suppliers to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Lead differentiated technology initiatives that advance the company's competitive position.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities to ensure successful technology development, qualification, and implementation.
• Present project progress and technical findings to leadership teams.

Skills

Technical leadership

Supplier development

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

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.

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:

$133,500.00 - $183,500.00

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.

Position Summary

The Supplier Account Technologist serves as the critical bridge between internal engineering organizations, end-customer requirements, and supplier capabilities. This role is responsible for identifying technology gaps, evaluating supplier technical and manufacturing competencies, and driving the development of next-generation solutions that support strategic business objectives.

Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams and external suppliers, this individual will gain deep insights into current technical challenges, influence supplier technology roadmaps, and lead differentiated technology initiatives that advance the company's competitive position.

Key Responsibilities

Technology & Engineering Engagement

• Partner with engineering teams across multiple Business Units (BUs) to understand technical requirements, challenges, and capability gaps.


• Work directly in laboratory and development environments alongside engineers to evaluate technologies, troubleshoot issues, and validate solutions.


• Participate in technical discussions with internal stakeholders and supplier engineering teams to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.


• Develop a comprehensive understanding of critical engineering problems and technology constraints impacting product performance, manufacturability, and scalability.

Supplier Technical Assessment & Development

• Evaluate existing suppliers' technical, manufacturing, and process capabilities to establish capability baselines.


• Conduct supplier site visits to assess engineering expertise, manufacturing technologies, quality systems, and operational maturity.


• Analyze manufacturing challenges and determine whether issues stem from product design, process limitations, material selection, or supplier capabilities.


• Assess and qualify new suppliers by benchmarking their technical competencies against established supplier baselines.


• Build strong technical relationships with suppliers and act as a trusted advisor to support capability development and innovation.

Technology Roadmap & Strategy

• Engage with suppliers to influence and guide long‑term technical investment and development roadmaps.


• Identify emerging technologies, manufacturing processes, and industry innovations that can create competitive advantages.


• Contribute to the development of next‑generation technology strategies and roadmaps across targeted Business Units.


• Recommend technology adoption, supplier development initiatives, and strategic partnerships to support future business growth.

Industry & Market Intelligence

• Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, and technical forums such as SEMICON West, Electronic Components & Technology Conference (ECTC), and other relevant industry events.


• Monitor industry trends, competitive developments, and emerging technologies.


• Translate market and technology intelligence into actionable recommendations for engineering and business leadership.

Project Leadership

• Identify, champion, and lead differentiated technology development projects aligned with business objectives.


• Drive project execution across internal engineering teams and external suppliers.


• Coordinate cross‑functional activities to ensure successful technology development, qualification, and implementation.


• Present project progress, technical findings, and strategic recommendations to leadership teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.


• 4+ years of experience in engineering, supplier development, advanced technology development, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical role.


• Demonstrated experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, or technology partners.


• Strong understanding of product development, manufacturing processes, and engineering problem‑solving methodologies.


• Experience conducting technical evaluations, supplier audits, or manufacturing assessments.


• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations, customer sites, and industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.


• Experience within semiconductor, advanced packaging, electronics, materials, capital equipment, or high‑tech manufacturing industries.


• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, process development, and supplier qualification methodologies.


• Experience influencing technical roadmaps and driving strategic technology initiatives.

Critical Skills & Competencies

• Technical leadership


• Supplier development and management


• Manufacturing process expertise


• scouting and competitive analysis


• Cross‑functional collaboration


• Strategic thinking and roadmap development


• Root cause analysis and problem‑solving


• Technology Executive communication and presentation skills


• Project and program management


• Data‑driven decision making

Success Metrics

• Increased supplier technical capability and readiness.


• Successful qualification and deployment of new technologies and suppliers.


• Reduction in manufacturing and design‑related technical issues.


• Execution of strategic technology initiatives that support business growth.


• Development and adoption of future‑focused technology roadmaps.


• Improved alignment between engineering requirements and supplier capabilities.

Work Environment

• Hands‑on laboratory and engineering engagement.


• Frequent interaction with suppliers and manufacturing facilities.


• Travel required for supplier visits, customer engagements, and industry conferences.


• Cross‑functional collaboration across engineering, operations, sourcing, and business unit leadership teams.

Additional Information

Time Type

Full time

Employee Type

Assignee / Regular

Travel

Yes, 20% 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.

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.