Factory Automation, RFID & Network Manager

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. 

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Position Summary

The Factory Automation, RFID & Network Manager is responsible for leading the design, deployment, and management of industrial automation systems, RFID solutions, and plant network infrastructure. This role bridges IT and OT domains to enable smart manufacturing, real-time visibility, and secure, reliable operations across factory environments.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in industrial control systems, RFID technologies, and enterprise networking, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, system integration, and cybersecurity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Factory Automation & OT Systems

• Oversee design, implementation, and support of factory automation systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI, MES integration).
• Manage industrial control platforms (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, etc.).
• Ensure high availability and performance of production systems.
• Drive automation initiatives aligned with Industry 4.0 and digital transformation goals.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to optimize production processes.

2. RFID & Asset Tracking Solutions

• Lead deployment and lifecycle management of RFID systems for inventory tracking, WIP visibility, and asset management.
• Evaluate and implement RFID hardware (readers, antennas, tags) and middleware platforms.
• Integrate RFID data into ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Ensure data accuracy, read reliability, and scalability across facilities.
• Identify opportunities to expand IoT-based tracking and real-time location systems (RTLS).

3. Industrial Network & Infrastructure Management

• Design and manage OT/plant networks (wired/wireless) supporting automation systems.
• Oversee network architecture including VLANs, segmentation, routing, and redundancy.
• Ensure seamless integration between IT and OT environments.
• Maintain network uptime, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting processes.
• Support edge computing and IIoT deployments.

4. Security & Compliance (IT/OT)

• Implement and maintain OT cybersecurity controls aligned with frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443, NIST).
• Partner with IT security teams to protect plant environments from cyber threats.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and industry regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and incident response planning for industrial systems.

5. Vendor & Project Management

• Manage relationships with automation, RFID, and networking vendors.
• Lead cross-functional projects (installations, upgrades, expansions).
• Define project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Ensure successful delivery of capital and operational initiatives.

6. Data & Integration

• Enable data flow from shop floor systems to enterprise platforms (ERP, analytics, cloud).
• Support development of dashboards, KPIs, and predictive analytics use cases.
• Work with APIs, middleware, and data platforms to integrate OT data sources.

7. Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers/technicians.
• Define roadmap for smart factory capabilities and technology modernization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, digital twin, predictive maintenance).
• Align automation and network strategies with business objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in manufacturing IT/OT, automation, or industrial networking.
• Hands-on experience with PLC/SCADA/HMI systems.
• Proven experience deploying RFID or RTLS solutions in manufacturing/logistics.
• Strong knowledge of industrial network protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet).
• Experience with enterprise networking (Cisco, Aruba, etc.).
• Familiarity with ERP/MES integration (SAP preferred).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MBA.
• Certifications: 
  • Cisco (CCNA/CCNP)
  • ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity certifications
  • PMP or equivalent project management certification
• Experience with cloud/edge platforms (Azure IoT, AWS IoT, etc.).
• Knowledge of data analytics, AI/ML in manufacturing environments.

Key Skills

• IT/OT convergence expertise
• Industrial automation architecture
• RFID system design & optimization
• Network design & troubleshooting
• Cybersecurity (OT focus)
• Vendor & stakeholder management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong communication and leadership skills

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Factory uptime and system reliability
• RFID read accuracy and coverage
• Network availability and latency
• Project delivery timelines and budgets
• Security incident reduction
• Operational efficiency improvements

Additional Information

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Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.