Sr. Operational Controller Finance

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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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NPI / NPC Operations Controller

Position Summary

The NPI / NPC Operations Controller serves as the primary finance business partner for New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Commercialization (NPC) operations. This role partners closely with Business Unit Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and NPI Program Management teams to drive successful commercialization of new products, ensure manufacturing readiness, and achieve cost, productivity, and financial objectives.

The Operations Controller provides financial leadership across the product commercialization lifecycle, from concept through pilot manufacturing and transition to High Volume Manufacturing (HVM). The role is responsible for business case development, investment governance, cost modeling, operational performance management, and decision support for strategic NPI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Leadership for NPI & Commercialization

• Partner with NPI Operations and Business Unit leadership to support commercialization strategies and execution.
• Provide financial oversight for NPI, pilot manufacturing, and product transition activities.
• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and investment recommendations for commercialization programs and capital requests.
• Support portfolio prioritization and resource allocation decisions across NPI programs.
• Drive financial rigor throughout the PDP lifecycle and readiness review process.

Cost & Profitability Management

• Lead product cost analysis and early cost modeling to ensure programs achieve target MCOS and gross margin objectives.
• Partner with Engineering and Supply Chain teams to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through DfX, sourcing strategies, and operational improvements.
• Evaluate manufacturing strategies, outsourcing alternatives, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Monitor variances and key cost drivers impacting commercialization programs and volume readiness.

Manufacturing Readiness & Operational Performance

• Support manufacturing readiness reviews and transition-to-HVM processes.
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks for commercialization performance, productivity, and operational readiness.
• Monitor cycle time, labor efficiency, inventory, quality, and cost metrics to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Drive corrective actions and risk mitigation plans to support successful product launches.

Strategic Planning & Investment Governance

• Lead annual planning, forecast, and long-range planning activities for NPI and pilot manufacturing organizations.
• Support planning and governance of strategic initiatives, automation investments, capacity expansion, and productivity programs.
• Develop executive-level financial presentations and recommendations for senior leadership reviews.

Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management leaders.
• Facilitate data-driven decision making through financial analysis and scenario modeling.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on priorities, tradeoffs, risks, and financial commitments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve commercialization speed, manufacturing readiness, and productivity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting.
• Strong financial modeling, planning, and analytical skills.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and cross-functional business teams.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decisions across multiple organizations.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Preferred

• 6+ years of experience in FP&A, manufacturing finance, operations finance, or supply chain finance
• Semiconductor, high-tech manufacturing, or capital equipment industry experience.
• Experience supporting NPI, commercialization, engineering, supply chain, or manufacturing organizations.
• Knowledge of product development and commercialization processes.
• Experience with investment analysis, cost accounting, inventory management, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience working with senior leaders in complex global organizations.

Additional Information

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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.