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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.

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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. 

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Senior Director, Finance

Location: Santa Clara, CA (Hybrid)

Level: Senior Director

Organization: Semiconductor Products Group (SPG) Finance

Position Overview

Applied Materials is seeking a strategic and operational finance leader to serve as Senior Director, Finance, supporting some of the company's highest priority growth, innovation, and infrastructure investments. This role provides financial leadership across a complex portfolio of R&D, advanced technology, infrastructure, and customer partnership initiatives while serving as a trusted advisor to senior business and functional leaders.

The successful candidate will lead a team of finance professionals and partner across Engineering, Operations, Corporate Finance, Tax, Legal, Accounting, Business Units, and Executive Leadership to drive investment decisions, optimize capital deployment, support customer-funded innovation programs, and deliver scalable financial processes that accelerate business growth.

This role combines strategic finance, investment analysis, business partnership, capital planning, and operational execution in a highly visible environment. Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted finance advisor to senior leadership across different US lab infrastructure organizations including EPIC, APTD. 
• Influence key business decisions through financial analysis, scenario modeling, and executive-level recommendations.
• Support long-range planning, annual operating plans, strategic reviews, and business performance management.

Capital Investment & Infrastructure Finance

• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and governance for large-scale capital investment programs including R&D laboratories, engineering facilities, and innovation infrastructure.
• Develop affordability models, business cases, ROI frameworks, and investment prioritization recommendations.
• Partner with corporate and business leaders to optimize capital allocation and ensure investments align with strategic objectives

Customer Partnerships & Commercial Finance

• Lead financial support for strategic customer collaboration programs, joint development activities, and alternative business models.
• Partner with business, legal, accounting, and operations teams to structure customer agreements and funding models.
• Evaluate commercial opportunities and ensure financial outcomes support long-term value creation. 

Process Improvement & Transformation

• Drive finance process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Leverage digital tools, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions to improve productivity and decision quality.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve financial governance and business processes. 

Talent Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance organization.
• Build organizational capability, succession pipelines, and future finance leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience in a global technology, semiconductor, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Significant experience in FP&A, business finance, strategic finance, corporate finance, or investment analysis.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• Semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or technology industry experience.
• Experience supporting capital-intensive environments.
• Strong background in investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial modeling.
• Experience leading transformation initiatives and enterprise-wide projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in highly matrixed organizations.

Critical Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Communication
• Investment & Capital Allocation
• Business Partnership
• Financial Modeling & Analytics
• Influence Without Authority
• Organizational Leadership
• Change Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Talent Development
• Operational Excellence

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.

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 [email protected], 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.