Director – Lab Operations

Company: Applied Materials
Apply for the Director – Lab Operations
Location: Bengaluru
Job Description:

Job Summary

:

The Applied Materials India process lab is a class 10K-class 100 clean room lab with300mmprocess capability, metrology and characterization focused on semiconductor equipment process technology, materialstechnologyand new product development. Applied Materials is looking for a Lab Director with prior experience as a cleanroomfabmanager and semiconductor processexpertise(PVD, CVD, ALD thin filmsa plus).

The lab director will haveasingle point of accountability for the lab andis responsibleformaintainingsafety, security and productivity standards for the labincludingensuringend-endsupport for BU product development and critical milestonestracking.This includes partnering withcross-functionalteamstomaintainequipment uptime, procurement & supply chain,controlling budget and investmentplansandexecutinglab strategy. 

This role involves managing a team oflab operationscomprisingoftechnicians, engineers,supportfunctionsand 3rdparty operatorsandlab userscomprisingofengineers, technicians,scientistsand vendorpartners,ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

Key Responsibilities:

Team Management:

  • Overseegroup of integration engineers, process engineers,operatingtechnicians, equipment engineers, andlaboperation teams.

  • Lead, hire, motivate, andretaina global team of highly skilled engineers and technicians.

  • Oversee personnel functions such as interviewing, selecting, training, supervising, evaluating performance, and developing staff.

  • LabOperationsand Management:

  • Maintain operations, including safety standards,productivityand lab accessmanagementincludingcertification programs.

  • Manage the daily operations of the lab, ensuring efficientutilizationof all equipment.

  • Keyfocuseson equipment up time,corrective and preventive maintenance and running the business, includingmanaging operating budgets, lab procurement,inventoryand spares management. 

  • Vendor management for all critical suppliers and equipment vendors for the labin partnership with Facilities and Procurement teams

  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use and maintenance ofhardware equipment,metrologyand characterization tools

  • Digitizationand E2E process managementof lab operations and inventory management

  • Drive innovations on cost saving, space, and equipment automation.

  • Monitor and distribute informationregardingchanges in regulatory guidelines and trends in techniques and technology.

  • Ensureclean, safe, and accident-free work environment.

  • Collaboration and Communication:

  • Safety and accountabilityfor the labare key priorities in this role

  • Exec presenceand ability to communicate and report to key business stakeholders toalign onlab strategy, criticaldeliverablesandprogrammilestones. 

  • Maintain effective collaborationwith 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 reportspertaining tothe laboratory.

  • Assistin 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 trainingrequiredto ensure legal compliance and conformance to managementsystem.

  • Technical Guidance:

  • Provide scientific and technical leadership to laboratory staff and support their professional growth and development.

  • Providetechnical 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-endmodern high-volume semiconductor fabrication processfacility isa must

  • Experienceoperatingand managingsemiconductor metrology and characterization tools (including TEM, FIB, SEM, EELS, EDS, PED, 4D-STEM, andi-DPC)

  • Semiconductorprocess and equipment knowledge with a focus on thin films is a plus

  • Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Expertise inproblem-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, andaccomplishtasks.

  • Educational Background:

  • Masters/PhD in Engineering Sciences

  • Additional InformationTime Type:Full timeEmployee Type:Assignee / RegularTravel:Yes, 20% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:Yes…

    Posted: December 12th, 2025