GSOC Watch Officer

Applied Materials • Austin, TX

7d • $120,000 - $165,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is seeking an experienced Watch Officer to manage operations in its Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) in Austin, Texas. The GSOC supports the protection of people, intellectual property, reputation, products, and facilities as the company expands its research, development, and manufacturing infrastructure.

The Watch Officer leads a team of fourteen Global Security GSOC members and directly supervises shift supervisors. The role oversees critical life-safety systems, access control, threat intelligence monitoring, traveler safety and risk management, emergency response, and customer service. It combines shift-based team leadership and hands-on operational oversight with strategic program planning, policy development, project management, stakeholder coordination, and performance measurement. The position also applies AI and automation tools to improve GSOC operations and trains team members in their effective and responsible use.

The role requires an on-site presence of 40 hours per week in Austin and reports to the GSOC Senior Manager. Travel is up to 10%. The position is full-time and regular, with no relocation eligibility stated.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a command center or GSOC-related field.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; extensive experience in command center management may substitute for education.
• Demonstrated track record of continuous improvement focused on performance and cost efficacy.
• Experience leading and collaborating with virtual teams and partner organizations in a multinational organization to deliver service and influence cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of a broad range of security services and industry-leading service providers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make timely, well-informed decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, along with experience in people, process, and technology management in a control room environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and privileged information and intelligence with strict confidentiality.
• Mature judgment, confidence balanced with humility, self-motivation, high energy, and enthusiasm for driving business outcomes.
• Process-oriented approach and ability to build strong relationships across organizational levels and functions.
• Leadership ability, including the ability to inspire others, and strong situational awareness.
• Ability to work on-site 40 hours per week in Austin, Texas, and travel up to 10%.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of AI and automation tools and how to apply them to GSOC operations.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience with shift-based team leadership, policy and procedure development, strategic program oversight, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, manage, and motivate teams in a dynamic, cross-functional environment, providing strategic direction and hands-on guidance on day-to-day issues and events.
• Monitor GSOC technology systems and report deficiencies or outages to appropriate internal teams.
• Provide enterprise detection and coordinated response to physical security, safety, and business continuity events, including crisis escalations and off-hours critical events requiring managerial oversight.
• Work with the GSOC leadership team to develop, implement, and maintain a multi-year plan aligned with Global Security Operations goals and business strategies.
• Serve as the main point of contact for daily GSOC operations; develop security service performance metrics and provide regular written reports to senior management.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of GSOC policies, standard operating procedures, and procedural checklists, ensuring they remain current and compliant with expectations.
• Manage rapid notifications and crisis communications to stakeholders using mass communication tools.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies, business processes, and AI and automation tools to improve workflows, response times, operational efficiency, and cost savings.
• Train and coach the team on effective and responsible use of AI tools in accordance with Applied Materials policies.
• Aid field-based security specialists, site security facilitators, and program stakeholders.
• Stay current with industry best practices related to GSOC management and services.
• Monitor staffing to ensure operational needs are met and operators are appropriately trained; develop and implement department- and site-specific training programs.
• Assist internal investigators with data-tracking systems and audit requests.
• Promote a positive culture that supports employee satisfaction and well-being.
• Ensure Global Security Operations complies with statutory and reporting regulations and Applied Materials policies and controls.
• Oversee physical and life-safety systems monitoring, threat intelligence alert escalations and reporting, traveler tracking and support, critical incident management, Executive Protection team support, vendor engagements, and KPI monitoring.
• Drive process implementation and refinement, project management, cross-team collaboration, and stakeholder relationships to achieve measurable performance, efficiency, and effectiveness improvements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for a bonus program and stock award program, as applicable.
• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Programs and support focused on employee health, well-being, and personal and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior