Technical Program Management, New College Grad- Bachelor's (Kalispell, MT)

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:

$68,000.00 - $93,500.00

Location:

Kalispell,MT

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. 

Position Summary: This position is ideal for a new college graduate looking to start a career in technical project/program management. We offer mentorship, training, and a supportive environment for you to develop competence in all facets of the role. You will gradually take on more responsibility as you grow, performing structured work assignments, and solving standard problems using established procedures. Over time, you’ll build proficiency in stakeholder management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking – key competencies in our career development framework for program managers at Applied Materials. We seek candidates who are collaborative, driven, and excited to grow with us, bringing fresh perspectives to our team and demonstrating the ability to learn quickly and contribute to project success.

Join our Montana Manufacturing Services (MMS) team in Applied Materials’ Semiconductor Products Group (SPG), where we manage new hardware product introductions from concept through high-volume manufacturing. We collaborate cross-functionally to deliver complex mechanical/system assemblies on time and within budget, accelerating time-to-production for cutting-edge semiconductor equipment. This entry-level role offers a growth opportunity to apply engineering knowledge and project management skills in a fast-paced, innovative environment while learning from experienced Technical Program Managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate Project Activities: Assist in planning and coordinating project tasks and schedules for new product introduction projects, helping ensure smooth execution from development to HVM (High-Volume Manufacturing) handoff. Update and maintain process improvement matrices and project tracking tools as needed. 

• Scheduling & Task Management: Work with team leads to organize project timelines, track deliverables, and maintain detailed status reports and tracking charts for internal visibility. Ensure resources are aligned to meet on-time, on-budget performance objectives. 

• Project Documentation: Help prepare and compile project documentation – including drafting Request for Quote (RFQ) packages and updating non-technical sections of Statements of Work. Coordinate completion of key milestones (e.g. design reviews, procurement, build, final sign-off) with all stakeholders. 

• Budget & Scope Support: Support the project/program manager in scoping and budgeting efforts. This includes contributing to project cost forecasts (e.g. gross margin improvement forecasts) and monitoring expenses against the budget under guidance. 

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Liaise with cross-functional teams (engineering design, supply chain, manufacturing, quality) to support resource alignment and execution of project plans. Help identify stakeholders and ensure each is engaged and informed of project progress. 

• Monitor Progress & Risks: Track project progress against schedule, scope, and quality metrics. Proactively flag potential risks or delays and work with the team to resolve issues for at-risk deliverables. Assist in adjusting plans to meet objectives while maintaining compliance with processes.

• Communication & Reporting: Under supervision, communicate project status to internal customers and leadership. Prepare progress updates and participate in meetings/reviews to report on objectives, ensuring transparency on project health. Occasionally interface with external customers or suppliers to support project needs, always under guidance of senior team members. 

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. 

• Technical Foundation: Fundamental understanding of engineering principles and an interest in hardware/system development. Knowledge of basic project management concepts – scheduling, budgeting, risk management – with ability to apply them at a rudimentary level (coursework or project experience) is preferred.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; comfortable using data and defined processes to solve routine problems. Able to gather, organize, and analyze project information to support decision-making. 

• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Active listener and team player who can exchange straightforward information, ask questions for clarity, and build positive working relationships across departments.

• Initiative & Learning Mindset: Scientific curiosity and a growth mindset, with eagerness to learn about complex products and business processes. Takes initiative on tasks and demonstrates drive to meet goals. Able to handle ambiguity and adapt to changes as projects evolve.

• Organization & Detail Orientation: High attention to detail in tracking tasks and updating documentation. Well-organized, able to juggle multiple assignments and deadlines. Resourceful and accountable, ensuring work is completed with precision and integrity.

• Software Tools: Proficiency with standard productivity and project tools (e.g. MS Office suite; familiarity with MS Project or similar scheduling tools is a plus). Advanced data analysis skills in Excel, AI and similar are advantageous.

• Technical Domain Knowledge (Plus): Exposure to manufacturing processes, supply chain, or hardware development (through coursework or internships) is beneficial. Any experience with semiconductor equipment or hands-on engineering projects is a plus, as it will help in understanding our products and procedures.
• Academic Achievement: A strong academic record is desired (GPA of 3.5 or above preferred). Relevant internship, co-op, or project experience in project management or engineering is highly valued as evidence of practical skills and teamwork.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

New College Grad

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.