NCG Technical Program Manager III, PhD; Santa Clara, CA

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.

Salary:

Location:

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.

This position focuses on research, development, and engineering within the Metal Deposition Products (MDP) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Service Business Unit (SBU), supporting Applied Materials’ global customer base in the semiconductor industry. You will work cross‑functionally to drive product vitality, lead new service product development, and champion continuous improvement initiatives to exceed customer and business expectations. This role executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to strategic development.

• Lead program management for R&D and engineering initiatives within the MDP SBU, including new service product development.
• Partner with business leadership to define service product roadmaps and manage product portfolios and investments.
• Develop and execute innovation and technology roadmaps aligned with product strategies.
• Drive customer application understanding to enable successful new product introductions.
• Ensure on‑time delivery, cost efficiency, and quality of new products and technologies to meet customer and business commitments.
• Oversee project management processes (PMP), product lifecycle (PLC), continuous improvement programs, and engineering change orders (ECO).
• Support quality, productivity, and sustaining engineering initiatives in collaboration with customers and operations.
• Manage technology partners and strategic sourcing needs for new product development.
• Lead sampling and field quality processes, working closely with commercial teams.
• Build strong cross‑functional engagement across geographies and functions (Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Legal).
• Communicate R&D progress and execution to senior executives and stakeholders.

• Advanced degree in Science or Engineering (Materials, Mechanical, Chemical, Physics, Electrical, or related field); MS required, PhD preferred. Relevant experience is a plus.
• Expertise in materials, deposition systems, and semiconductor applications.
• Strong program management skills with ability to deliver against multiple KPIs.
• Entrepreneurial, hands‑on attitude with a collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence.
• Ability to influence and work effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

Time Type:
Full time

Employee Type:
New College Grad

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…