Technical Project/Program Manager- Automation (E3)

Applied Materials; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 104,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Participate in bonus and stock award programs

Job summary

A global leader in materials engineering is looking for a Technical Project/Program Manager in Austin, TX, to lead cross-functional projects that enhance automation and operational excellence in their manufacturing operations. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $104,000 to $143,000 and involves managing the full lifecycle of automation initiatives across multiple sites while collaborating with various engineering and operations stakeholders. Ideal candidates should possess strong project management skills, technical knowledge in automation systems, and effective communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Strong technical acumen and excellent communication skills are required.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects involving teams and external partners.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies like PMP, Agile, or Scrum is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional projects that enable automation and process improvement.
• Manage end‑to‑end lifecycle of automation projects including requirements gathering.
• Coordinate teams including controls engineers and software developers.
• Track and manage timelines, budgets, and resources across all phases.

Skills

Strong understanding of manufacturing automation systems

Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills

Excellent communication skills

Tools

PLC

SCADA

MES

IoT technologies

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:

$104,000.00 - $143,000.00

Location:

Austin, TX

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 (https://hrportal.ehr.com/applied/).

We are seeking a Technical Project/Program Manager to join the Automation Technology Group. In this role, you will lead cross‑functional projects that enable automation, process improvement, and operational excellence in our manufacturing operations. You’ll be responsible for managing the end‑to‑end lifecycle of automation projects — from requirements gathering and vendor coordination to implementation, testing, and handoff to production.

This role requires strong technical acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects involving both internal teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with engineering, operations, IT, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams including controls engineers, mechanical engineers, software developers, and operations.
• Track and manage timelines, budgets, resources, risks, and dependencies across all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with automation vendors and system integrators to ensure on‑time, high‑quality deliverables.
• Facilitate design reviews, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning of automation equipment and systems.
• Develop and maintain project documentation including project charters, schedules, risk registers, and status reports.
• Champion continuous improvement by applying lean, Six Sigma, or Agile principles to project execution.
• Support validation, change management, and documentation processes in compliance with industry and company standards.
• Communicate project progress and risks to stakeholders and senior leadership.

Functional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of manufacturing automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA, MES, and/or IoT technologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Works on issues where analysis of situation or data requires review of relevant factors.
• Demonstrates in‑depth and/or breadth of expertise in own discipline and broad knowledge of other disciplines within the function.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall).

Business Expertise

• Ability to align automation, control, and data connectivity strategies with business goals and objectives.
• Experience in analyzing business processes to identify automation and control opportunities.
• Understanding of industry‑specific regulations and compliance requirements.
• Capability to assess the financial trade‑offs when designing and selecting automation, control, and data connectivity projects.

Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and support to team members.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the automation, control, and data connectivity team.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Problem Solving

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve automation, control, and data connectivity issues.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex automation, control, and data connectivity challenges.

Impact

• Enhance operational efficiency and productivity through effective automation, control, and data connectivity solutions.
• Reduce manual intervention and human error in critical processes.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by driving automation, control, and data connectivity initiatives.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication skills to interact with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability to changing project requirements and priorities.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% 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 (https://www.appliedmaterials.com/us/en/careers.html) 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.