Director, EPIC Lab Operations
Job Location:
Santa Clara County, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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:
$164000.00 - $225500.00Location:
Santa ClaraCAYoull 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 possiblewhile 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. Were 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.
The Director Lab Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end lab operations to ensure safe high-quality and efficient production execution. This role drives daily performance across Safety Quality and Output (SQO) oversees cleanroom and production control activities and partners with engineering and customers to meet operational objectives. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in fostering a culture of accountability continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Output Execution
- Drive achievement of daily weekly and quarterly production targets.
- Maximize equipment utilization by ensuring tools are effectively run when available (UTP).
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to maintain throughput.
Quality Management
- 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.
Operations Oversight
- Lead and oversee 24/7 lab operations including:
- Production Control Center (PCC) activities (staffed per shift)
- Cleanroom floor operations through Team Leaders and Clean Room Operators (CROs)
- Ensure alignment and seamless coordination between operations engineering and support teams.
Customer/Tenant Engagement
- 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.
Incident Investigation & Problem Solving
- Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys and 8D.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to eliminate recurrence of issues.
Performance Management & Reporting
- 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.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Participate in Change Review Boards (CRBs) 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.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices
- Apply Lean principles through Gemba (go-and-see) practices to observe operations firsthand.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement across teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors 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
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
Assignee / RegularTravel:
Yes 25% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:
YesThe 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 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.
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
Applied Materials, Inc. is the global leader in materials engineering solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries.
