📍 Job Overview

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Director, Systems Engineer
• Company: Applied Materials
• Location: Kalispell, MT or Santa Clara, CA
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Systems Engineering
• Date Posted: June 23, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

As a Director, Systems Engineer at Applied Materials, you will lead and drive the development and execution of complex systems projects, pushing the boundaries of technology to meet market requirements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electrical, mechanical, physics, algorithms, and software design, and work with marketing to ensure market requirement specifications are valid and attainable. Your expertise in systems analysis and architecture development will be crucial in creating diagrams, influencing product engineering, and supervising tests. You will also identify and mitigate risks, ensuring systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop Complex Projects: Lead and develop unusually complex projects with a substantial mix of electrical, mechanical, physics, algorithms, and software design, pushing the boundaries of system functionality or technology.
• Systems Analysis and Architecture Development: Use systems analysis to create diagrams, review specifications, influence product engineering, and supervise tests, utilizing system engineering concepts for new, unusually complex designs and ongoing engineering improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with other business units to workout design, systems architecture development and integration issues by utilizing concepts from other business units or influencing other business units to utilize concepts.
• Problem Solving: Identify and troubleshoot unusually complex engineering problems on the leading edge of technology or system functionality.
• Architecture Review and Change Management: Review system engineering test results and architecture development ideas, influencing and communicating change in adjusting design direction as necessary.
• System Integration and Vendor Management: Support system integration during the assembly and final testing of new product designs, and work with vendors to develop new competitive products, taking business issues and architecture development findings into consideration.
• Metrics Development: Develop metrics that aid in decision-making for future business opportunities, and assure that the requirements of the systems architecture development process are met.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 10-15 years of experience in systems engineering, with a strong background in semiconductor manufacturing, mechanical, or chemical engineering.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Expertise in systems engineering, with a solid understanding of electrical, mechanical, and software design principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with system integration, testing, and risk management.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with high-volume manufacturing (HVM) and semiconductor equipment development.
• Knowledge of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) or copper plating processes.
• Familiarity with field service and customer support in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing your experience in systems engineering, including project case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead complex projects and develop innovative solutions.
• Detailed project documentation, including system architecture diagrams, test results, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Examples of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence product engineering decisions.

Technical Documentation:

• Code samples or snippets demonstrating your proficiency in electrical, mechanical, and software design principles.
• Documentation of system integration and testing processes, including automated testing and deployment strategies.
• Evidence of your understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment, such as CMP or copper plating.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $196,000 - $269,500 per year, depending on experience and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, wellness, and professional growth programs.
• Supportive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth.
• Robust total rewards package, including bonus and stock award programs for eligible candidates.
• Equal opportunity employer with a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

• Applied Materials prioritizes the well-being of employees and encourages them to bring their best selves to work.
• The company offers a supportive work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Applied Materials is committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for employees at work, at home, or wherever they may go.

Development Methodology:

• Applied Materials uses Agile methodologies, including Scrum, for project management and development processes.
• The company emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure high-quality products and solutions.
• Applied Materials utilizes deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management tools to streamline development and release processes.

Company Website: https://www.appliedmaterials.com/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Director, Systems Engineer - A senior leadership role responsible for driving complex systems projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop advanced solutions for the semiconductor industry.

Reporting Structure: The Director, Systems Engineer reports directly to the Vice President of Engineering or a similar senior-level position, depending on the organization's structure.

Technical Impact: As a Director, Systems Engineer, you will have a significant impact on the development and deployment of cutting-edge systems that drive the semiconductor industry forward. Your expertise in systems engineering will be crucial in ensuring the success of complex projects and meeting customer expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: As a Director, Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the team.
• Architecture Decision-Making: With experience, you may progress to a Vice President or CTO role, overseeing the entire engineering organization and driving strategic technology decisions for the company.
• Emerging Technology Adoption: As the semiconductor industry evolves, you will have the opportunity to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and drive innovation within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with offices located in Kalispell, MT, and Santa Clara, CA.

Office Location(s): Kalispell, Montana, United States, and Santa Clara, California, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Applied Materials offers collaborative workspaces with multiple monitors and testing devices available for engineers to perform their duties effectively.
• The company encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing between teams to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Applied Materials provides supportive work arrangements, including flexible working hours and remote work options, depending on the role and team needs.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working hours and the expectation to be available for deployment windows and maintenance as needed.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your qualifications, experience, and career goals.
2. Technical Phone Screen: A deeper dive into your technical skills, with questions focused on systems engineering, problem-solving, and architecture development.
3. On-site Interview: A full-day interview consisting of:
   • Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive review of your portfolio, including system architecture diagrams, test results, and risk mitigation strategies.
   • Behavioral Interview: A discussion of your leadership style, team dynamics, and problem-solving approach.
   • Cultural Fit Interview: An assessment of your cultural fit with the team and organization.
4. Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your fit for the role and the organization's long-term goals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a live demo of your portfolio, showcasing your ability to lead complex projects and develop innovative solutions.
• Highlight your proficiency in electrical, mechanical, and software design principles, as well as your understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Tailor your portfolio to the specific needs of the role and the company, emphasizing your relevant experience and skills.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in systems engineering, electrical, mechanical, and software design principles.
• Brush up on your problem-solving skills and prepare for questions related to system architecture, integration, and testing.
• Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, and be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making strategies.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Project Management, Problem Solving, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Risk Management, Testing, System Integration, Architecture Development, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Electrical Design, Mechanical Design, Software Design, Research and Development, Vendor Management, Product Development, Troubleshooting, High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM), Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP), Copper Plating.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Electrical Design: Experience with electrical design principles, including circuit analysis, power electronics, and signal processing.
• Mechanical Design: Familiarity with mechanical design principles, including kinematics, dynamics, and materials science.
• Software Design: Proficiency in software design principles, including algorithms, data structures, and programming languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials, such as CMP or copper plating.

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Version Control: Experience with version control systems, such as Git, to manage and track changes in codebase and documentation.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines to automate testing and deployment processes.
• Server Management: Experience with server management tools, such as Linux, to maintain and optimize system performance and security.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Innovation: At Applied Materials, innovation is a core value, driving the development of cutting-edge systems and technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible.
• Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of collaboration, encouraging cross-functional teams to work together to develop advanced solutions and meet customer expectations.
• Continuous Learning: Applied Materials emphasizes continuous learning and growth, providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers.
• Performance Optimization: The company is committed to optimizing performance, ensuring that systems meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Applied Materials encourages cross-functional integration between teams, including developers, designers, and marketers, to ensure that products meet user needs and market requirements.
• Code Review Culture: The company promotes a code review culture, emphasizing peer programming, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing: Applied Materials encourages mentoring and knowledge sharing, with senior engineers providing guidance and support to junior team members.

🚀 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Complex System Design: As a Director, Systems Engineer, you will face complex system design challenges, requiring you to balance electrical, mechanical, physics, algorithms, and software design considerations.
• Emerging Technologies: The semiconductor industry is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Risk Mitigation: You will need to identify and mitigate risks in complex systems, ensuring that they meet the highest quality standards and exceed customer expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: As a Director, Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to develop your technical skills in systems engineering, electrical, mechanical, and software design principles, as well as semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Leadership Development: You will have the chance to mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the team.
• Emerging Technology Adoption: As the semiconductor industry evolves, you will have the opportunity to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and drive innovation within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• System Architecture: Questions related to system architecture, including design principles, integration, and testing strategies.
• Problem Solving: Questions focused on problem-solving, risk mitigation, and decision-making in complex systems.
• Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Design: Questions related to electrical, mechanical, and software design principles, as well as their application in semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company-Specific Knowledge: Questions related to the company's products, services, and industry-specific challenges.
• Cultural Fit: Questions designed to assess your cultural fit with the team and organization, including your values, work style, and long-term goals.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare a live demo of your portfolio, showcasing your ability to lead complex projects and develop innovative solutions.
• Highlight your proficiency in electrical, mechanical, and software design principles, as well as your understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Tailor your portfolio to the specific needs of the role and the company, emphasizing your relevant experience and skills.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in systems engineering, electrical, mechanical, and software design principles.
• Brush up on your problem-solving skills and prepare for questions related to system architecture, integration, and testing.
• Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, and be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director, Systems Engineer position at Applied Materials:

1. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your leadership, problem-solving, and systems engineering expertise.
2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases your ability to lead complex projects, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
3. Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Applied Materials' products, services, and industry-specific challenges to demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the organization.
4. Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions related to systems engineering, problem-solving, and leadership, as well as company-specific and cultural fit assessments.
5. Apply: Submit your application through the provided link, including your resume and portfolio, and follow the instructions for the application process.

Good luck with your application!