Project Manager, Continuous Improvement

Applied Materials•Austin, TX

1d•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. This role is onsite in Austin TX and requires up to 15% travel (domestic and international). Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in project management and continuous improvement. Interprets internal business and operational challenges and recommends best-practice, data-driven solutions. Solves complex and ambiguous problems by taking a systems-level view across people, process, and technology. Operates independently with limited guidance in the most complex situations. May lead cross-functional teams, projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Demonstrates strong conceptual and practical expertise in project management and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, PDCA).
Working knowledge of related disciplines such as operations, supply chain/logistics, manufacturing, compliance, or enterprise systems.
Applies industry and internal best practices to improve business outcomes; understands how process efficiency, quality, and compliance impact business performance.
Understands competitive and operational drivers and how continuous improvement differentiates performance.
Acts as a subject-matter resource for colleagues with less experience in project execution and process improvement.
May lead small-to-medium projects and improvement initiatives with manageable risk, scope, and resources.
Influences without authority by driving alignment and accountability across cross-functional stakeholders.
Solves complex problems using structured, data-driven approaches.
Challenges existing processes and proposes innovative, scalable solutions that improve long-term performance.
Impacts a range of operational, customer, project, and service activities within own team and across related teams through measurable continuous improvement outcomes.
Operates within broad policies while helping define better ways of working.
Communicates complex or sensitive information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Builds consensus, drives change adoption, and supports change management as part of continuous improvement efforts.
4–7 years of experience in project management, operations, or supply chain roles, with demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
Experience in manufacturing, logistics, global trade, or regulated environments
Demonstrated benefits realization (cost, cycle time, quality, compliance)

Responsibilities

Prepare and manage end-to-end project plans from initiation through implementation, ensuring delivery of scope, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, quality, cycle time, cost, and compliance across business processes.
Develop and maintain process maps, value stream maps, KPIs, and CI roadmaps to identify gaps, waste, and improvement opportunities.
Drive project and CI deliverables through structured execution using reports, dashboards, tracking charts, checklists, and standard work.
Align cross-functional resources (operations, logistics, trade, IT, manufacturing, finance, etc.) to achieve project outcomes and sustain process improvements.
Monitor and report project performance, benefits realization, and continuous improvement impacts (e.g., cost savings, productivity gains, risk reduction).
Participate in and lead intra–business unit design and improvement teams, contributing to operational and technical maturity of processes.
Perform root cause analysis (e.g., A3, RCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to resolve project obstacles and systemic issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.
Support standardization efforts by documenting processes, creating playbooks, and driving adoption of best practices across teams and sites.