Customer Engineer - Shift Manager

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials is a world leader in materials science and engineering solutions essential for the development of nearly every new semiconductor chip and advanced display globally. Our equipment plays a critical role in advancing artificial intelligence and accelerating the introduction of next-generation semiconductor technologies. Join us to contribute to the forefront of the electronics industry, advancing global technology through our collective efforts.

Position Overview

We are recruiting for the position of Customer Engineer Shift Manager at our Customer Site located in Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland. In this full-time, onsite role, you will lead and manage a shift team, ensuring all safety, operational, and quality standards are met. You will directly supervise field services engineers and collaborate cross-functionally with management, HR, logistics, planning, and customers to maintain safe, efficient operations and champion a culture of continuous operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily shift operations focused on achieving safety, quality, and performance objectives.
• Coordinate shift handovers to guarantee accurate and effective communication among teams.
• Support monitoring of tool performance and troubleshoot high-value problems.
• Oversee and mentor the engineering team during shifts, managing scheduling, attendance, onboarding, training, and performance reviews.
• Drive productivity and ensure compliance with customer contract KPIs including response time and machine availability.
• Manage internal contract KPIs such as spare parts usage, equipment utilization, and tool escalation processes.
• Deliver clear, detailed reports and updates to leadership and management.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by enforcing adherence to site safety policies, leading safety briefings, conducting audits, and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems and facilitate adoption of new work methodologies.
• Collaborate with engineers to identify opportunities for process and skill improvements, support root-cause analyses, and promote a culture of first-time right execution.
• Possess and utilize comprehensive knowledge of spare parts procedures, supporting escalations effectively.
• Apply proficiency in SAP to assist with operational control.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement projects enhancing service and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Work experience in a high-tech manufacturing engineering environment.
• Proven leadership experience such as team lead or supervisor roles.
• Effective communication, coaching, and conflict management capabilities.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret KPIs and make informed decisions.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and balancing operational demands.

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies

• Educational background or equivalent experience in engineering or manufacturing disciplines.
• Familiarity with model-based problem-solving techniques.
• Experience working with automated equipment and within cleanroom environments.
• Knowledge of shift-based operations including night shifts is advantageous.
• Demonstrated leadership presence on the work floor and strong decision-making under pressure.
• Capability to collaborate effectively across different disciplines and take ownership with accountability.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills supported by a continuous improvement mindset.

Additional Information

• Employment type: Full time, regular employee.
• Location: Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland.
• Travel requirements: Approximately 10% travel expected.
• Relocation assistance: Not available.
• Salary range: €48,000 to €66,000 annually, based on multiple factors including grade, experience, and internal equity.
• Compensation and benefits include potential participation in bonus and stock award programs as applicable.
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.