Director of Product Management – AR Waveguide Displays

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:

$185,000.00 - $254,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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. 

About the Role

We Deliver Material Innovation That Changes The World. Applied Materials solutions enable virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.

We are looking for a Director of Product Management to lead the strategy and execution for AR waveguide display technologies in the Photonics Platforms Business. This role is pivotal in defining the product roadmap and aligning product definition with manufacturing readiness, performance requirements, market-specific requirements and cost targets. You will partner with waveguide design, process engineering, manufacturing equipment engineering, scaling operations, program management and business teams to deliver the world-leading AR display platform that will enable highest-performance and best aesthetics see-thru display to enable mainstream AI Glasses (100M units per year).

Key Responsibilities

· Product Roadmap Ownership:

o Define and maintain the multi-year roadmap for AR waveguide display products.

o Align roadmap with technology milestones, market trends, and customer requirements.

· Manufacturing Readiness

o Track and align manufacturing capacity build-out timelines to ensure priorities with product launches, product lifetimes and technology roadmap

o Collaborate with engineering, supply chain and operations teams to optimize cost structure

· Financial Performance:

o Establish product cost targets and margin goals; monitor and drive adherence throughout development.

o Support pricing strategies and business models to maximize profitability.

o Aligning ROI targets for new product development and driving strategic decisions with leadership

· Competitive Analysis:

o Conduct ongoing market and competitive assessments to inform product positioning and differentiation.

o Identify emerging technologies and partnerships to maintain leadership in AR display innovation.

· Cross-Functional Leadership:

o Partner with engineering, design, and marketing teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling product offerings

o Communicate system and end-user benefits internally and externally

o Communicate product vision and priorities to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

· Education: BS/MS in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field; MBA preferred.

· Experience:

o 10+ years in product management, with at least 5 years in AR/VR, optics, or display technologies.

o Proven track record of delivering complex hardware products from concept to mass production.

· Skills:

o Strong understanding of waveguide optics and AR display architectures.

o Expertise in cost modeling, margin analysis, and manufacturing economics.

o Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with semiconductor manufacturing, nano-photonics and/or integrated optics.

· Experience with AI Glasses or Mixed-Reality Glasses system architectures, hardware requirements, and user experience

· Familiarity with global supply chain for optical components and consumer electronics.

· Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive cla