Technical Project/Program Management IV

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

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. The Photonics Platforms Business Unit (PPB) is a fast‑growing, startup‑style organization within Applied Materials, pioneering nano‑photonic technologies for next‑generation Augmented Reality (AR) devices. As Applied expands into a new market and business model—manufacturing and selling a device rather than semiconductor equipment—PPB is scaling rapidly in technical scope, operational complexity, and execution rigor. We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager (E3) to drive execution of complex technical programs across R&D, device development, and manufacturing readiness. This role is ideal for a TPM who has moved beyond basic project coordination and is ready to take end‑to-end ownership of defined programs or major program workstreams, operating with increasing autonomy while learning from more senior TPMs and leaders.

Requirements

3–6+ years of Technical Program or Project Management experience in hardware or advanced technology environments.
Semiconductor background is required, including exposure to wafer‑level processes, device fabrication, or semiconductor manufacturing flows.
Experience working with engineering teams in R&D, process development, or manufacturing.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s preferred).
Solid understanding of technical program execution in complex environments.
Growing systems‑level thinking, with the ability to connect technical development, process constraints, and execution trade‑offs.
Strong organizational and communication skills; able to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and adapting to change.
Demonstrated ability to drive progress through influence rather than authority.

Nice To Haves

Experience in AR/VR, optics, consumer hardware, or advanced materials is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Own execution of assigned technical programs or major sub‑programs, spanning R&D, systems engineering, process development, and manufacturing readiness.
Translate technical objectives into actionable program plans, schedules, dependencies, and deliverables.
Drive programs through key development phases (Prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT) with guidance from senior TPMs.
Track execution status, risks, and issues; escalate appropriately and drive mitigation actions with cross‑functional teams.
Coordinate activities across optics, electronics, systems, process engineering, manufacturing, supplier engineering, and operations.
Support cross‑functional alignment by facilitating technical discussions, decision tracking, and action follow‑up.
Prepare clear program updates, dashboards, and materials for technical and leadership reviews.
Operate effectively in a fast-paced, high‑ambiguity environment where processes are still maturing.
Execute within program management frameworks and tools developed by the PMO.
Apply standard planning, tracking, and risk‑management processes consistently across assigned programs.
Provide feedback to senior TPMs and the PMO on process gaps, execution friction, and opportunities for improvement.
Balance agility and discipline, applying appropriate rigor based on program maturity and technical risk.