Portfolio Operations Manager Defense (m/w/d/x)

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.

Location:

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.

Build and Lead Applied Materials' Service Organization at One of Europe's Most Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Sites

We are seeking an experienced Manager, Customer Engineering (M3) to play a pivotal leadership role supporting the launch, ramp‑up, and long‑term success of a major semiconductor manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany.

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a high‑performing engineering organization from the ground up, supporting one of Applied Materials' most strategic global customers. You will drive operational excellence, develop engineering talent, and help enable the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.

Located in the heart of Silicon Saxony, Europe's leading semiconductor cluster, this role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced manufacturing while shaping the future of Applied Materials' customer support organization.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop a World-Class Engineering Organization

Recruit, develop, coach, and inspire a team of Customer Engineers and technical professionals.

Build a strong culture focused on safety, customer success, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Develop future technical and operational leaders through structured coaching and talent development.

Drive workforce planning, organizational readiness, succession planning, and employee engagement.

Support a Major Semiconductor Fab Ramp

Lead service operations through equipment installation, qualification, production ramp‑up, and high‑volume manufacturing phases.

Ensure operational readiness through effective hiring, onboarding, certification, and training programs.

Drive resource planning and execution to support customer requirements throughout the fab lifecycle.

Anticipate operational risks and develop mitigation plans to support uninterrupted customer operations.

Deliver Operational Excellence

Own performance across safety, quality, productivity, equipment availability, and customer satisfaction metrics.

Implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on service efficiency, operational discipline, and equipment performance.

Ensure effective management of parts availability, resource utilization, and service delivery execution.

Monitor and communicate performance indicators, action plans, and business outcomes.

Partner with Strategic Customers

Serve as a key leadership interface between Applied Materials and one of our most strategic semiconductor customers.

Build trusted relationships with customer engineering, operations, manufacturing, and leadership teams.

Drive customer success through proactive problem solving, technical support, and operational collaboration.

Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, equipment performance, and long‑term business growth.

Partner with Product Support, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Global Services teams.

Support escalation management and resolution of complex technical and operational challenges.

Contribute to strategic initiatives that improve customer outcomes and business performance globally.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 12 months, you will:

• Build and develop a high‑performing customer engineering organization.
• Establish strong relationships with key customer stakeholders.
• Successfully support fab startup and production ramp activities.
• Deliver industry‑leading service, safety, and customer satisfaction results.
• Create a culture of operational excellence, talent development, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree, diploma, or equivalent technical qualification in Engineering, Electronics, Electromechanics, Physics, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience within semiconductor equipment environment, service operations, field service manufacturing, equipment engineering, customer engineering, technical operations, or related environments.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience with proven success developing high‑performing teams.
• Hands‑on technical knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ideally front‑end equipment.
• Experience working in customer‑facing, multicultural, and matrixed environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity, influence stakeholders, and drive operational results.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Professional working‑level fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately up to 20%, higher during the first 12 months).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting semiconductor capital equipment.
• Previous leadership experience within Semiconductor industry or similar equipment organizations.
• Knowledge of Applied Materials’ semiconductor equipment and service operations.
• Experience supporting fab startups, installation, commissioning, or manufacturing ramp activities.

Benefits & Rewards

• Discretionary Incentive Bonus
• Monthly Additional Allowance
• Employee stock programs (where applicable)
• Company Pension Plan
• TAP: Tuition Assistance Program
• Extensive technical and product training
• Career development and progression opportunities
• International customer exposure and travel experience
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of semiconductor innovation

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 20% of the Time

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.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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