Director of Quality – Photonics Manufacturing

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is seeking a Director of Quality to lead the development and execution of the Quality Management System (QMS) for a growing photonics manufacturing organization. This leader will oversee customer, supplier, manufacturing, and compliance quality programs while partnering across global operations to drive product quality, audit readiness, and continuous improvement. The role is based in Santa Clara, CA, and offers a supportive work culture focused on learning, development, and career growth. Applied Materials is committed to employee well-being and provides programs for personal and professional growth.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in semiconductor or photonics manufacturing environments, with experience spanning Process Engineering, Integration Engineering, Manufacturing, and/or Quality Systems.
Proven track record of establishing and scaling Quality Management Systems in manufacturing organizations.
Deep expertise in ISO 9001 implementation and quality compliance programs.
Strong experience with: CAPA, 8D, SPC, and FMEA
Customer Quality Management
Supplier Quality and SSQA
Audit leadership and compliance governance
Experience leading quality organizations across multiple sites, regions, or global operations.
Demonstrated success in developing quality strategies and driving cross-functional quality improvements.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a photonics fab or advanced semiconductor manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of fab quality systems, customer quality audits, and ISO certification audits.
Familiarity with metrology and analytical techniques such as ICP-MS and related manufacturing process controls.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including ISO 9001 compliance.
Lead internal, customer, supplier, and certification audits, ensuring ongoing audit readiness.
Drive customer quality programs utilizing CAPA, 8D, SPC, FMEA, root-cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.
Establish supplier quality processes, including Supplier Site Quality Assessments (SSQA) and supplier development programs.
Partner with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Integration Engineering, and Operations teams to improve yield, reliability, and overall product quality.
Identify systemic quality issues and drive corrective and preventive actions across the organization.
Lead quality strategy, governance, metrics, and reporting across multiple sites and global operations.
Build, develop, and mentor high-performing quality teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary quality interface for customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.