Director - 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

Location:

Bangalore,IND

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 Summary: 

The Applied Materials India process lab is a class 10K-class 100 clean room lab with 300mm process capability, metrology and characterization focused on semiconductor equipment process technology, materials technology and new product development. Applied Materials is looking for a Lab Director with prior experience as a cleanroom fab manager and semiconductor process expertise (PVD, CVD, ALD thin films a plus).

The lab director will have a single point of accountability for the lab and is responsible for maintaining safety, security and productivity standards for the lab including ensuring end-end support for BU product development and critical milestones tracking. This includes partnering with cross-functional teams to maintain equipment uptime, procurement & supply chain, controlling budget and investment plans and executing lab strategy.

This role involves managing a team of lab operations comprising of technicians, engineers, support functions and 3rd party operators and lab users comprising of engineers, technicians, scientists and vendor partners, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Management:

• Oversee group of integration engineers, process engineers, operating technicians, equipment engineers, and lab operation teams.
• Lead, hire, motivate, and retain a global team of highly skilled engineers and technicians.
• Oversee personnel functions such as interviewing, selecting, training, supervising, evaluating performance, and developing staff.
  
  

Lab Operations and Management:

• Maintain operations, including safety standards, productivity and lab access management including certification programs.
• Manage the daily operations of the lab, ensuring efficient utilization of all equipment.
• Key focuses on equipment up time, corrective and preventive maintenance and running the business, including managing operating budgets, lab procurement, inventory and spares management.
• Vendor management for all critical suppliers and equipment vendors for the lab in partnership with Facilities and Procurement teams
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use and maintenance of hardware equipment, metrology and characterization tools
• Digitization and E2E process management of lab operations and inventory management
• Drive innovations on cost saving, space, and equipment automation.
• Monitor and distribute information regarding changes in regulatory guidelines and trends in techniques and technology.
• Ensure clean, safe, and accident-free work environment.
  
  

Collaboration and Communication:

• Safety and accountability for the lab are key priorities in this role
• Exec presence and ability to communicate and report to key business stakeholders to align on lab strategy, critical deliverables and program milestones.
• Maintain effective collaboration with cross-functional teams to design and execute experiments that support product development and quality control.
• Maintain open communication with stakeholders and act as a liaison between the laboratory and other departments.
  
  

Financial Management:

• Manage financial activities and reports pertaining to the laboratory.
• Assist in the preparation of budget estimates.
• Drive cost savings and lab efficiencies via site lab consolidation initiatives.
  
  

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure laboratory compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Secure intellectual property, material inventory, and lab assets with outstanding procedures and processes co-designed with the Corporate Security Team.
• Maintain area procedures and training required to ensure legal compliance and conformance to management system.
  
  

Technical Guidance:

• Provide scientific and technical leadership to laboratory staff and support their professional growth and development.
• Provide technical guidance, consultation, and support to researchers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
  
  

Crisis Management:

• Assemble and manage task forces to tackle critical issues.
  
  

Qualifications:

Technical Expertise:

• Experience working in front-end modern high-volume semiconductor fabrication process facility is a must
• Experience operating and managing semiconductor metrology and characterization tools (including TEM, FIB, SEM, EELS, EDS, PED, 4D-STEM, and i-DPC)
• Semiconductor process and equipment knowledge with a focus on thin films is a plus
  
  

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Expertise in problem-solving methods.
• Ability to moderate root cause analysis to enable teams to solve complex problems.
  
  

Industry Knowledge:

• Familiarity with ISO standards and systems, FMEA, Phase Gate approach.
• Knowledge of business and management principles, strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Knowledge of applicable safety requirements.
  
  

Leadership Experience:

• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing a team of scientists and technicians.
• Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures, and systems to outline specific goals and implement plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks.
  
  

Educational Background:

• Masters/PhD in Engineering Sciences
  
  

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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.

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