Director, EPIC Lab Operations

Job Overview

Applied Materials is seeking a Director, Lab Operations to lead end-to‑end lab operations, ensuring safe, high‑quality, and efficient production execution. The role drives daily performance across Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO), oversees cleanroom control activities, and partners with engineering and customers to meet operational objectives.

Location: Santa Clara, CA
Salary Range: $ – $

• Drive achievement of daily, weekly, and quarterly production targets.
• Maximize equipment utilization by ensuring tools are effectively run when available.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain throughput.

• Ensure adherence to strict quality standards to protect wafer integrity throughout all processes.
• Promote a product-as-customer mindset, reinforcing ownership of quality at every operational step.
• Prevent contamination, defects, and handling‑related damage through disciplined execution.

• Lead and oversee 24/7 lab operations, including Production Control Center activities and cleanroom floor operations through Team Leaders and Clean Room Operators.
• Ensure alignment and seamless coordination between operations, engineering, and support teams.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer and tenant concerns related to lab operations.
• Ensure timely issue resolution, transparent communication, and follow‑through on corrective actions.

• Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and 8D.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence of issues.

• Monitor and ensure achievement of daily Safety, Quality, and Output (SQO) targets.
• Provide clear, data‑driven explanations for deviations, including root cause and recovery plans.
• Report operational performance, risks, and improvements to the Fab Manager.

• Participate in Change Review Boards as required.
• Lead weekly production meetings with Engineering to review tool status, performance, and priorities.
• Collaborate with business units and stakeholders to support operational goals.

• Apply Lean principles through Gemba (go‑and‑see) practices to observe operations firsthand.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, cleanroom operations, or similar environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing operations teams in a high‑volume or R&D fab setting.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent).
• Strong leadership and team management skills in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Deep understanding of lab operations, equipment utilization, and production control.
• Expertise in problem‑solving methodologies (5 Whys, 8D, RCA).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Data‑driven decision‑making and performance management.
• Strong customer focus and ability to manage escalations effectively.

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: Yes

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 its careers site accessible to all users.