Program Buyer (m/w/d) - for semiconductor industry

Who We Are

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.

What We Offer

Location: Heimstetten, DEU

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.

As a Buyer, you’ll be responsible for purchasing the materials, supplies, machinery, and services that equip our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities. You’ll collaborate across teams and showcase your organization and strategic planning skills to monitor inventory, manage delivery scheduling, negotiate with suppliers, and procure essential items that transform possibilities into realities for our customers and teams.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Program Buyer – Mechanical Components & Assemblies to manage the procurement of high‑precision mechanical components and assemblies for both R&D projects and industrialization. This role plays a critical part in building a resilient supply chain and ensuring supplier readiness for high‑volume manufacturing (HVM).

Role Responsibilities

• Act as the primary procurement interface for electron‑optical column programs, ensuring alignment between engineering, operations, and suppliers.
• Drive procurement deliverables across all program phases (prototype, NPI, industrialization, ramp).
• Support Make/Buy decisions, cost modelling, and supplier selection in alignment with category management.
• Manage a portfolio of suppliers for precision mechanical parts, vacuum components, optics, electrical modules, and cleanroom‑grade materials.
• Conduct RFQ processes, technical/commercial evaluations, and negotiation of pricing and delivery terms.
• Ensure supplier readiness for high‑mix, low‑volume production typical of electron‑optical systems
• Drive cost reduction initiatives, value engineering, and continuous improvement with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance (OTD, quality, adherence to specs, change control).
• Mitigate risks related to long‑lead materials, machining tolerances, and special processes
• Work closely with Engineering (R&D, Mechanical Design, Optics, Vacuum Systems), Program Management, Operations, and Quality.
• Support BOM reviews, engineering changes (ECN/ECO), and introduction of new suppliers and materials.
• Facilitate smooth handover from development to production, ensuring supply chain stability

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in technical procurement, ideally within semiconductor equipment, precision mechanics, vacuum technology, or high‑tech manufacturing.
• Experience with complex assemblies and multi‑level BOM environments.
• Strong understanding of precision machining, optics/vacuum components, or cleanroom‑relevant materials (preferred).
• Excellent negotiation, supplier management, and analytical skills.
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, engineering‑driven environments with frequent design iterations.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and solid MS Office skills.
• Fluent in German and English.

Your benefits

• An exciting, international, and dynamic environment, working in a high technology company with human touch
• Extensive further education offers, individual training, learning & development opportunities, and cooperation with experienced employees
• Company pension scheme with the possibility of top‑up via salary conversion and disability insurance
• Travel insurance, can also be used privately
• Capital‑forming benefits
• 30 days of vacation
• Bonus program
• Wellhub

Sounds interesting? Then it is best to apply via our online portal.

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Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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.