Technical Program Manager - Operational Excellence Program Manager

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary:

$133,500.00 - $183,500.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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. 

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Technical Program Manager / Operational Excellence Program Manager to drive 6S and other strategic initiatives across SPG Operations. This role will lead cross-functional programs, bring structure and accountability to complex operational issues, and partner across organizations to drive execution and sustainable results.

The ideal candidate combines strong program-management skills with an operational mindset and experience in continuous improvement. They should be comfortable moving between strategic initiatives and hands-on execution, using data, standard processes, and cross-functional collaboration to improve how we operate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional SPG Operations programs and initiatives, establishing clear objectives, plans, milestones, ownership, risks, and measurable outcomes.
• Drive 6S initiatives and sustainment activities in partnership with the 6S Lab Manager and functional owners, reinforcing workplace organization, visual management, standard work, safety, and accountability.
• Identify operational and execution gaps, determine root causes, and drive cross-functional actions from problem identification through implementation and sustainment.
• Develop and maintain program plans, dashboards, scorecards, action trackers, metrics, and executive-level reporting to provide visibility into progress, risks, and results.
• Partner across Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics, Facilities, EHS, Quality, and other organizations to drive SPG Operations priorities and resolve barriers.
• Lead continuous-improvement efforts that improve safety, productivity, workflow, space utilization, standardization, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and improve business processes, operating procedures, program documentation, and governance needed to support consistent execution.
• Translate complex operational information and data into clear business insights, recommendations, and executive communications.
• Lead cross-functional meetings and working sessions, driving alignment, decisions, accountability, and follow-through.
• Support change-management and adoption efforts for new processes, tools, standards, and operational capabilities.
• Build alignment and drive results through influence, including across organizations where the role does not have direct authority.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience leading complex, cross-functional programs or operational initiatives.
• Strong program/project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, metrics, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to take ambiguous operational problems, create structure, establish priorities, and drive them through resolution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using data to identify trends and support decisions.
• Ability to influence across organizations and drive accountability without direct authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communications and presentations.
• Experience developing or using dashboards, scorecards, trackers, and other program-management tools.
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Preferred

• Experience with 6S, Lean, operational excellence, continuous improvement, visual management, or standard work.
• Experience in semiconductor, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, logistics, or other complex operational environments.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, PowerApps, SharePoint, Smartsheet, or similar reporting and workflow tools.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or related certification is a plus.
  

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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 [email protected], 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.