Manager, Process Technician

Front-Line Manager

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.

We're hiring a front-line manager to lead a team of technical contributors in our Electron Microscopy and materials characterization lab. You'll provide day-to-day supervision, keep the lab running to schedule, and help develop both the team and our analytical capabilities. This is an ideal step for a strong individual contributor ready to move into people's leadership, or an early-career manager looking to grow.

What you'll do:

• Provide direct supervision to a team of professional and skilled technical staff, setting priorities and removing roadblocks to meet commitments.
• Serve as a technical and operational advisor to the team, stepping in hands-on when needed to keep schedules on track and resolve problems.
• Track and analyze the performance of both direct reports and lab equipment, using data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Sustain and continuously improve established lab workflows, recommending changes to team processes, protocols, and policies.
• Recruit, interview, hire skilled new talent, and administer company policies fairly and consistently.
• Build strong working relationships and rapport with direct reports, peers, and management.
• Present technical information on projects, schedules, and results to stakeholders, and secure cooperation across teams.

What you'll need (required):

• 5+ years of relevant technical experience, with at least 1–2 years leading, mentoring, or coordinating others (formal management experience a plus).
• Strong technical background in Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM), or broad working knowledge of metrology techniques and failure analysis.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the judgment to act within established procedures, protocol, and policies.
• Ability to analyze situations and data, weighing relevant factors before recommending action.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including comfort presenting technical material to upper management.
• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent experience.

Nice to have (preferred):

• Prior people-management or team-lead experience in a lab, fab, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing lab equipment uptime, calibration, or maintenance programs.
• Familiarity with semiconductor processes and a data-driven approach to performance tracking.

Decisions in this role directly affect team output and lab schedules; sound judgment keeps projects and deliverables on time.

Applied Materials is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.