Director of Quality - Photonics Manufacturing

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:
$0.00 - $0.00

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.

Overview

We are looking for a Director of Quality to lead the development and execution of the Quality Management System (QMS) for a growing photonics manufacturing organization. This leader will oversee customer, supplier, manufacturing, and compliance quality programs while partnering across global operations to drive product quality, audit readiness, and continuous improvement.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including ISO 9001 compliance.
• Lead internal, customer, supplier, and certification audits, ensuring ongoing audit readiness.
• Drive customer quality programs utilizing CAPA, 8D, SPC, FMEA, root-cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.
• Establish supplier quality processes, including Supplier Site Quality Assessments (SSQA) and supplier development programs.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Integration Engineering, and Operations teams to improve yield, reliability, and overall product quality.
• Identify systemic quality issues and drive corrective and preventive actions across the organization.
• Lead quality strategy, governance, metrics, and reporting across multiple sites and global operations.
• Build, develop, and mentor high-performing quality teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary quality interface for customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.

• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor or photonics manufacturing environments, with experience spanning Process Engineering, Integration Engineering, Manufacturing, and/or Quality Systems.
• Proven track record of establishing and scaling Quality Management Systems in manufacturing organizations.
• Deep expertise in ISO 9001 implementation and quality compliance programs.
• Strong experience with:
  • CAPA, 8D, SPC, and FMEA
  • Customer Quality Management
  • Supplier Quality and SSQA
  • Audit leadership and compliance governance
• Experience leading quality organizations across multiple sites, regions, or global operations.
• Demonstrated success in developing quality strategies and driving cross-functional quality improvements.

• Experience in a photonics fab or advanced semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of fab quality systems, customer quality audits, and ISO certification audits.
• Familiarity with metrology and analytical techniques such as ICP-MS and related manufacturing process controls.