Director, Process Engineer
Applied Materials · Santa Clara, CA
- Level
- Director+
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $189k–$260k
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A director-level process role at Applied Materials (industrial) in Santa Clara, CA. Directs a process technology group responsible for research, development and implementation in new products and extensions or enhancements to existing product lines.
- Base pay
- $189k–$260k
- Openings
- 2 with this title at this site
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $124k–$171k. This one lists $189k–$260k.
Median of the low and high ends of 49 live postings that list pay, out of 78 process engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 77 other live process postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 52% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $124k–$171k, from 48 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Root cause 47%
- Team leadership 26%
- DOE 24%
- SPC 23%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 23%
- New product launch 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Applied Materials
We found 7 people at this company and state: 5 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to John → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Applied Materials in Santa Clara
47 other open roles at this site · 7 people we found in process roles at Applied Materials.
- Product Quality & Reliability Engineer IV (E4) · Quality · Senior
- Process Engineer · Process
- Process Engineer III · Process · Senior
- Mgr, Process Engineer · Process
- Process Engineer ||| - Plasma · Process
- Industrial Engineer New College Grad- Master's (Santa Clara, CA) · Industrial
Full description from Applied MaterialsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Directs a process technology group responsible for research, development and implementation in new products and extensions or enhancements to existing product lines
- ◆Manages unusually complex, practical applications of scientific theory and processes in the development and ongoing technical management of the unit's products
- ◆Leads alpha engineering program regarding all process technology related issues for the unit's product line
- ◆Lead for alpha and beta product release for business unit's product line
- ◆Interacts and offers solutions to address external customers unusually complex process issues to address customers High Value Problems (HVP) involving the business unit's product line
- ◆Participates in strategic planning to integrate research and development processes with both the unit and the Product Business Group's overall business plan
- ◆Provides approval guidelines and leadership to reporting process technology managers in the area of long-term strategy related to process development
- ◆Defines performance metrics and reports on organization's progress against specific goals
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Who We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary
$189,000.00 - $260,000.00
Location
Santa Clara,CA
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 .
Functional Knowledge
- •Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of different systems, theories and practices
Business Expertise
- •Applies broad industry and commercial awareness to drive financial and operational performance across business unit, department or sub-functions
Leadership
- •Leads through subordinate managers of managers; executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to the development of segment/functional strategy
Problem Solving
- •Directs the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment
Impact
- •Guided by segment/functional strategy, impacts results of a department, business unit or sub-function or facilitates the work done by other segments/functions by providing support to impact the business
Interpersonal Skills
- •Negotiates and influences the opinions of others at the senior executive level and in external organizations; exercises sensitivity to the audience
Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.
Additional Information
Time Type
Full time
Employee Type
Assignee / Regular
Travel
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible
No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.