Director, Field and lab Operations

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. 

. Customer Support & Field Operations Leadership 

• Direct and oversee global technical support assignments, projects, and programs across TPS and GPS organizations. 

• Ensure correct assignment, utilization, and performance of engineers supporting customers and products worldwide. 

• Provide highly visible, senior-level customer engagement to resolve high-value, complex issues that impact customer technology milestones. 

• Lead on-site installation, diagnosis, troubleshooting, service, and repair of complex equipment and systems through GPS and TPS teams. 

• Review, monitor, and close customer action plans to ensure sustained customer satisfaction and installed-base performance. 

• Generate global, multi-product reporting to surface top customer issues and drive closure plans. 

2. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Go-To-Market Execution 

• Act as Go-To-Market lead and primary AGS interface for new product rollouts and roadmap execution. 

• Partner with account teams, Sales, and Marketing to support product introductions, customer specials, RFQs, and technical presentations. 

• Ensure legacy corrective actions and field Lessons Learned are incorporated into new product design intent. 

• Participate in Engineering design reviews and contribute to FMECA processes. 

• Own and execute alpha and beta site system strategy, test plans, reporting, and engineering feedback loops. 

• Ensure customers are informed of technical improvements and upgrades available to the installed base. 

3. Engineering, Quality & Issue Resolution 

• Influence Engineering organizations to prioritize and resolve customer-related design, hardware, software, yield, and performance issues. 

• Partner with Quality & Reliability (Q&R) teams to review, prioritize, and address top field issues. 

• Resource and lead multi-functional taskforces to resolve complex technical problems using advanced and innovative approaches. 

• Drive resolution of systemic issues to reduce installation cost, warranty exposure, and field failures. 

• Lead development of new principles, concepts, and service methodologies to improve field performance. 

4. Training, Capability Development & Knowledge Management 

• Ensure all managers, supervisors, and engineers meet required safety, compliance, and technical training standards. 

• Define and implement comprehensive training strategies for new products, including “train-the-trainer” models in partnership with Global Technical Training (GTT). 

• Develop and proliferate new procedures, documentation, Best Known Methods (BKMs), and service methodologies across teams. 

• Mentor and develop engineers and leaders to support technical excellence, succession planning, and career growth. 

5. Parts, Logistics & Aftermarket Readiness 

• Identify new parts required for service and ensure alignment with AGS on stocking strategy and global availability. 

• Coordinate aftermarket support readiness with AGS and field organizations to ensure seamless customer support post-install. 

• Ensure service infrastructure, documentation, tools, and methodologies are NPI-ready. 

6. Program & Operations Management 

• Define project and program objectives, outcomes, milestones, viability assessments, and resource plans for assigned areas. 

• Ensure systems engineering projects and programs are executed to defined requirements, cost targets, timelines, and resource plans. 

• Oversee Lab Operations and infrastructure necessary to support development, validation, and troubleshooting activities. 

• Manage program definition, execution strategies, and implementation activities across multiple sites and functions. 

7. Leadership & People Management 

• Direct managers, supervisors, and multi-disciplinary teams across geographically distributed organizations. 

• Lead highly visible, cross-functional initiatives providing strategic and technical thought leadership. 

• Execute segment and functional business plans while contributing to broader organizational strategy. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. 

8. Functional, Business & Professional Expertise 

• Serve as a recognized functional expert (“guru”) with broad and deep expertise across systems, technologies, and methodologies. 

• Apply industry, commercial, and regulatory awareness to influence business direction and operational performance. 

• Proactively identify and solve highly complex problems using advanced, innovative, and ground-breaking approaches. 

• Impact business results and direction through development of innovative services, solutions, and capabilities. 

9. Interpersonal, Ethics & Executive Engagement 

• Negotiate and influence senior executives, customers, regulators, vendors, and external stakeholders. 

• Exercise high judgment, audience awareness, and executive-level communication skills. 

• Ensure full compliance with company Standards of Business Conduct, demonstrating the highest level of ethical behavior aligned to core values. 

Additional Information

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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.