Materials Project Manager

Applied Materials • Kalispell, MT

3d

About The Position

Applied Materials is seeking a Materials Project Manager to source and procure raw materials for machining and manufacturing operations, including bar stock, plate, tubing, castings, forgings, and specialty metals. The role uses technical knowledge of materials and machining processes to identify material grades, dimensions, forms, and suppliers that support production requirements while improving availability, reducing cost, optimizing yield, and shortening lead times.

The position works with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning to assess material substitutions and sourcing strategies. It also manages supplier relationships and supply risks, pursues cost savings, and supports continuous improvement in inventory, material utilization, and supply chain efficiency. The role has no supervisory responsibilities but provides informal guidance to new team members.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys, material specifications, and machining processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, and material certifications.
• Knowledge of material substitutions and equivalent grades, including alternative alloys, tempers, dimensions, and material forms.
• Understanding of yield optimization, nesting, and material utilization principles.
• Experience managing raw material supply risks and developing contingency sourcing plans.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Procure raw materials needed to support machine shop production schedules and customer demand.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to support competitive pricing, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Analyze engineering drawings, material specifications, and production requirements to determine sourcing strategies.
• Identify alternative material grades, forms, dimensions, and supply options that meet engineering and customer requirements while reducing cost and lead time.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Planning teams to evaluate and approve material substitutions.
• Recommend stock sizes and purchasing strategies to improve material utilization, reduce scrap, and improve yield.
• Monitor market trends, material availability, and price fluctuations to manage supply risks proactively.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements to achieve annual cost reduction objectives.
• Resolve supplier performance issues involving quality, delivery, and capacity constraints.
• Support make-versus-buy evaluations and supplier capacity assessments.
• Maintain procurement records, supplier data, and material master information in ERP systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory reduction, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.
• Achieve measurable annual cost savings through strategic sourcing and material optimization.
• Minimize production disruptions caused by raw material shortages.
• Develop alternative sourcing and material substitution strategies to improve supply continuity and reduce lead times.
• Maintain supplier delivery and quality performance at established targets.
• Provide informal guidance to new team members.
• Travel approximately 10% of the time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Candidates may be eligible for participation in a bonus program and a stock award program, as applicable.
• Programs and support for employee health and wellbeing, and personal and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed