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Director Process Development Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Key Responsibilities Directs a process technology group responsible for research, development and ... Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor.

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Director Process Development information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$50.5K

$97K

$190.3K

How much do director process development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director process development in Santa Clara, CA is $97,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of process development do?

A Director of Process Development is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of processes within an organization, typically in manufacturing, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries. They lead teams to develop efficient, cost-effective, and scalable processes for producing products or delivering services. This role often involves coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Director also collaborates with R&D, quality, and production departments to bring new products from concept to commercial scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of process development?

To thrive as a Director of Process Development, you need deep expertise in process engineering, project management, and a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with process modeling software, statistical analysis tools, and industry-specific quality standards such as GMP or Six Sigma certifications is typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are essential for driving efficient process innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading teams toward operational excellence.

How does a director of process development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Director of Process Development, you will regularly work alongside R&D, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs teams to ensure new processes are scalable, compliant, and align with business goals. This collaboration often involves leading cross-departmental meetings, aligning on project milestones, and troubleshooting process bottlenecks together. Strong communication and leadership skills are crucial, as you’ll be responsible for integrating feedback, managing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that project deliverables are met on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Director Process Development vs Process Engineer?

AspectDirector Process DevelopmentProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering or related field, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team leadership, cross-department collaborationHands-on process design, optimization, and troubleshooting
Industry UsageCommonly used in biotech, pharma, and manufacturing industriesUsed across similar industries for process development and improvement

The main difference is that the Director Process Development oversees strategic process initiatives and manages teams, while the Process Engineer focuses on executing process improvements and technical tasks. The director role involves higher-level planning and leadership, whereas the engineer role is more hands-on and technical.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Director Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Process Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Director Process Development jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Director Process Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Process Development job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,006 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Director, Process Engineer

Amat

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$189K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

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:

$189,000.00 - $260,000.00

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.

Key Responsibilities

Directs a process technology group responsible for research, development and implementation in new products and extensions or enhancements to existing product lines

Manages unusually complex, practical applications of scientific theory and processes in the development and ongoing technical management of the unit's products

Leads alpha engineering program regarding all process technology related issues for the unit's product line

Lead for alpha and beta product release for business unit's product line

Interacts and offers solutions to address external customers unusually complex process issues to address customers High Value Problems (HVP) involving the business unit's product line

Participates in strategic planning to integrate research and development processes with both the unit and the Product Business Group's overall business plan

Provides approval guidelines and leadership to reporting process technology managers in the area of long-term strategy related to process development

Defines performance metrics and reports on organization's progress against specific goals

Functional Knowledge

  • Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of different systems, theories and practices

Business Expertise

  • Applies broad industry and commercial awareness to drive financial and operational performance across business unit, department or sub-functions

Leadership

  • Leads through subordinate managers of managers; executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to the development of segment/functional strategy

Problem Solving

  • Directs the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment

Impact

  • Guided by segment/functional strategy, impacts results of a department, business unit or sub-function or facilitates the work done by other segments/functions by providing support to impact the business

Interpersonal Skills

  • Negotiates and influences the opinions of others at the senior executive level and in external organizations; exercises sensitivity to the audience

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% 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.