Operations and Customer Quality Engineer III - Manufacturing Quality Improvement -(E3)

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

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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 Summary
We are seeking a results-driven Engineer to lead cross-functional initiatives that reduce DMR, Scrap, and Nonconformance across Kalispell manufacturing operations. This role owns execution rigor—driving problem solving, accountability, and measurable quality improvements aligned to AOP targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and applies quality standards in accordance with company and customer requirements. Develops and conducts related tests
• Lead end-to-end quality improvement projects focused on DMR reduction, scrap cost elimination, and nonconformance closure
• Creates clear project charters to drive KPIs and milestones, and implement quality initiatives
• Analyze operational data; Develop and implement recommendations for improvements
• Drive structured problem solving (8D, DMAIC, RCCA) in partnership with Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, Engineering, and Operations
• Track and report quality performance metrics (DMR trends, scrap $, NC aging) with clear risk and action visibility
• Ensure timely containment, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness
• Remove execution barriers, escalate risks, and enforce accountability to deliver results
• Reduces qualification cycle time and cost while still meeting quality performance requirements.
• Support governance reviews and executive updates with concise, data-driven insights

Functional Knowledge

• Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines

Business Expertise

• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

• • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Success Metrics

• Sustained reduction in DMR rate vs AOP targets
• Measurable scrap cost reduction
• Improved nonconformance closure time and recurrence prevention
• On-time delivery of quality projects and corrective actions

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management, manufacturing quality, or operations
• Proven success driving cross-functional quality improvement initiatives
• Strong working knowledge of DMR, scrap, nonconformance, and root cause methodologies
• Ability to influence without authority and drive execution in fast-paced environments
• Strong data analysis, reporting, and executive communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments
• PMP, Lean, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) certification
• Familiarity with supplier quality and factory quality systems

Additional Information

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Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.