Sourcing Specialist – Lab and R&D Equipment

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

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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.

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Role Summary

The Sourcing Specialist – Lab and R&D Equipment is a senior individual contributor responsible for executing mid-complexity (Tier 2) and select low-complexity (Tier 3) sourcing projects end-to-end within the Sourcing Center of Excellence (SCoE), with a specialization in Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Lab and R&D equipment. The role delivers disciplined sourcing execution, strong stakeholder experience, and governance-compliant outcomes. This position executes CapEx and R&D equipment sourcing projects end-to-end within the SCoE, delivering high-quality execution, strong stakeholder experience, and governance-compliant outcomes. This role does not own category strategy, capital planning, or people management.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end sourcing projects for Lab and R&D equipment, including RFx development, supplier communication, bid evaluation, and award support.
• Apply appropriate sourcing approaches (RFP, competitive bidding, benchmarking, targeted negotiation) based on defined tiering, risk, and investment thresholds.
• Serve as the primary execution point of contact for equipment stakeholders and suppliers during sourcing events.
• Support commercial negotiations in alignment with approved frameworks; partner with Legal and the Contracting CoE as required.
• Ensure sourcing documentation, approvals (CARs, PRs, and associated artifacts), and handoffs are complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Embed risk awareness into sourcing execution, including supplier capability, delivery risk, commercial exposure, and lifecycle considerations.
• Support post-award activities, including supplier onboarding and handoff to Operations or Project teams.
• Build and maintain deep specialization in lab and R&D Capex equipment sourcing; contribute to playbooks, templates, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Category Scope (Lab and R&D Capex and Opex Equipment Focus)

• Manufacturing equipment and production tools
• Lab and R&D equipment
• Build to print custom parts for R&D pilot enablement
• Test, inspection, and metrology equipment
• Specialty equipment supporting facilities, labs, and engineering environments
• Equipment-related services directly tied to capital purchases (installation and start-up support)

Out of scope: CapEx portfolio strategy, Facilities and construction sourcing

Primary Interfaces

• Engineering, Manufacturing, Lab, R&D and Facilities stakeholders
• Equipment suppliers and OEMs
• Sourcing CoE Manager
• Strategic Sourcing Managers / Category teams (as needed)
• Legal / Contracting CoE
• Finance (CapEx governance and Value Capture)
• Risk / TPRM

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master's degree in a relevant field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Proven over 10 years of relevant experience executing sourcing projects for Lab and R&D equipment, or engineering-related spend.
• Strong RFx execution, supplier communication, and documentation skills.
• Strong exposure to Procurement systems and engineering drawings and Specs
• Ability to operate independently within a governance-driven, tiered sourcing model.
• Demonstrated judgment in managing supplier risk, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

Preferred:

• Experience sourcing Lab and R&D equipment in manufacturing, lab, or engineering environments.
• Exposure to Capital Approval Request (CAR) driven processes.
• Experience operating in multi-site or global enterprise environments.

Additional Information

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Employee Type:

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Relocation Eligible:

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.