Ops Quality Engineer (E5)

Applied Materials • Austin, TX

5d • $140,000 - $192,500 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Requirements

• Quality Systems ISO 9001
• Quality Management Systems
• Auditing principles and compliance programs
• Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Document control systems
• Risk Management methodologies
• Weld fabrication processes
• GTAW/TIG welding processes
• WPS/PQR development and management
• Welder qualification requirements
• Welding inspection methods
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Dimensional inspection practices
• Manufacturing Quality
• Process capability analysis
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
• Root cause analysis
• FMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Validation
• First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• PLM and document control systems
• ERP/MES environments
• Data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Minitab preferred)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and quality systems.
• Experience supporting special process manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success implementing quality systems within fabrication, machining, welding, or metal manufacturing operations.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with operational efficiency.
• Experience establishing scalable quality processes in growing manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of customer quality expectations and audit requirements.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) - Systematically identify the true source of quality issues instead of addressing symptoms.
• Process Control & Prevention Thinking - Must think proactively and focus on prevention rather than detection.
• Risk Assessment & Prioritization - Must focus resources on the highest risk areas instead of trying to solve everything equally.
• Data-Driven Decision Making - Make objective decisions based on measurable evidence.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality organizations.
• Strong technical writing skills are essential, as the role requires developing quality manuals, procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and audit documentation that are both compliant and practical for shop-floor execution.
• Requires a high degree of relationship-building, leadership through influence, and change management capability.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo, facilitating difficult discussions, and driving accountability without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with secondary processes such as cleaning and passivation.
• Experience interpreting MBD models, GD&T, and engineering drawings for in-process quality control.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain weld shop QMS documentation.
• Create and manage: Quality Manuals, Inspection Plans, Control Plans, Process Maps, Quality Records and Templates.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and applicable industry requirements.
• Support audit readiness and corrective action closure activities.
• Establish document control and revision management processes.
• Support welding operations through process qualification and control.
• Review and maintain: Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), Welder Qualification Records.
• Drive compliance to welding standards and special process requirements.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to improve process capability and reduce variation.
• Design and implement in-process quality checkpoints throughout fabrication.
• Develop inspection plans for: Incoming material verification, Fit-up inspection, Weld inspection, Dimensional verification, Final acceptance inspections.
• Implement risk-based quality gates to prevent defect escapes.
• Utilize statistical methods and process monitoring techniques to improve process performance.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods.
• Facilitate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Reduce scrap, rework, and defect escapes through systematic improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and quality engineering tools.
• Monitor and improve customer-facing quality metrics.
• Establish KPIs and dashboards focused on: Defect rates, Scrap and rework, First Pass Yield, Audit findings, Customer quality escapes.
• Support customer audits and quality reviews as needed.
• Participate in the development of quality training for weld shop personnel.
• Coach operators and supervisors on quality requirements and process controls.
• Promote a proactive quality culture focused on prevention versus detection.
• Influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Drive accountability for quality ownership across manufacturing.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for weld shop quality systems.
• Mentor technicians, inspectors, and manufacturing personnel on quality best practices.
• Champion a culture of prevention, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Identify quality risks before defects occur, translate ambiguous requirements into controlled processes, and solve complex manufacturing problems that span engineering, operations, suppliers, and quality systems.
• Translate complex quality and welding requirements into clear, actionable guidance for operators, supervisors, engineers, and leadership teams.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable

What This Job Offers

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