Senior Director, Research & Development - E-Beam Technology (m/f/d)

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

Salary:

€137.600,00 - €189.200,00

Location:

Heimstetten,DEU

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. 

Location: Heimstetten (Munich), Germany

Role Overview:
Applied Materials is seeking a Senior Director of R&D (m/f/d) to lead innovation in electron beam (E-beam) technologies. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the complete development cycle of next-generation E-Beam systems, shaping long-term technology strategy, and building effective R&D organization.

The successful candidate will bring deep technical mastery in E-beam alongside proven experience leading medium size, complex engineering teams in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments. Significant proven experience in adjacent physics related domains may be considered as well.

Key Responsibilities:

E-Beam Technology Leadership:

• Serve as the technical authority in E-beam technologies (imaging, inspection, metrology, lithography, E-Beam writing, or related domains).

• Lead design and optimization of E-beam column architecture, including electron optics, lens systems, and beam control to achieve sub-nanometer resolution and stability

• Drive development and integration of advanced E-beam column components, ensuring performance scalability, reliability, and manufacturability

• Define and execute the technology roadmap, driving innovation aligned with Applied Materials’ strategic priorities.

• Lead development of next-generation E-beam platforms, improving performance, precision, and throughput.

• Deliver world class products at cost and on time.

• Translate advanced research into scalable, differentiated products.

• Engage with technology vendors or partners to shape future technology direction.

Organizational & People Leadership:

• Lead, develop, and scale a state-of-the-art R&D organization.

• Build strong leadership bench strength through mentorship, succession planning, and talent development.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration across teams and geographies.

• Drive cross-functional alignment with engineering, product, operations, and commercial teams.

Execution Excellence:

• Deliver complex R&D programs with clear milestones, timelines, and business impact on time and within budget.

• Align innovation efforts with productization and customer outcomes.

• Ensure disciplined budget and resource allocation, prioritization, and governance.

Qualification:

• PhD or advanced degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• Deep expertise in E-beam systems (e.g., semiconductor inspection, metrology, or lithography, E-Beam writing).

• 10+ years of experience with a proven track record in R&D leadership.

• Proven ability to drive innovation, organizational transformation, and product impact.

• Experience operating in a global, matrixed environment.

This role offers the opportunity to define the future of E-beam technology at scale—combining deep technical innovation with true organizational leadership—within one of the most influential companies in semiconductor manufacturing.