Technical Project/Program Manager- Automation (E4)

Applied Materials, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 116,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Stock award program

Job summary

Applied Materials, Inc. in Austin, TX is seeking a Technical Project/Program Manager to lead cross-functional automation initiatives across manufacturing sites.

You will own end-to-end lifecycle management from requirements gathering to production handoff, coordinating engineers, IT, and operations to deliver on ambitious timelines. The role demands strong technical depth in automation and analytics, plus excellent communication.

Qualifications

• This role sits onsite in Austin TX.
• Experience leading automation projects from requirements to production deployment.
• Strong technical acumen and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects across cross-functional teams.
• PMP certification or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables 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 project phases.
• Work with automation vendors and system integrators to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Facilitate design reviews, FAT/SAT testing, and commissioning of automation equipment and systems.
• Develop and maintain project documentation such as charters, schedules, risk registers, and status reports.
• Apply lean, Six Sigma, or Agile principles to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Automation systems

Project leadership

Cross-functional teams

PMP certification

Lean Six Sigma

Agile / Scrum

Tools

SCADA

PLC

MES

IoT

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: $116,000.00 - $159,500.00

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.

Role Details

**This role sits onsite in Austin TX

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing industry experience
• Automation experience at or with system integrators
• Vision systems for guided robotics and/or inspection
• Ability to lead multiple projects supporting multiple Business Units
• IoT product architecture
• PMP certification

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 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.