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Engineer Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer Director

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$185K - $254K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor.

Principal Engineer/Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$192.60 - $289/hr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: Seeking an experienced Wi‑Fi lead who will serve as Technical leader of Low‑power Wi‑Fi solutions. The role is ...

As an engineer director on AI Enablement, you will be responsible for enabling start-of-the-art AI technologies and help transform Nvidia to an AI native company with speed of light, for SW ...

ENGINEERING DIRECTOR REPORTS TO: President/Site-Leader LOCATION: Chatsworth, CA SHIFT: Monday thru Thursday (7:00 AM - 5:30 PM) The Engineering Director will lead all engineering and technical ...

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Engineer Director information

What is the difference between Engineer Director vs Senior Engineer?

AspectEngineer DirectorSenior Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing teams and projectsHands-on technical work, project execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, tech, manufacturingWidespread across industries, technical focus

The Engineer Director typically holds a leadership position, managing teams and strategic initiatives, while the Senior Engineer focuses on technical expertise and project execution. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Director emphasizes management and oversight.

What are some common challenges faced by an engineer director when leading cross-functional teams?

An Engineer Director often navigates challenges such as aligning diverse technical teams toward shared business goals, managing communication across departments, and balancing resource allocation for multiple projects. Ensuring effective collaboration between engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders requires strong leadership and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, keeping teams motivated while adapting to shifting priorities or tight deadlines is crucial for the success of engineering initiatives.

What is an engineer director?

Engineer Directors are senior leaders in engineering organizations who oversee multiple teams or departments, set technical strategy, and ensure alignment with business goals. They manage engineering managers and lead initiatives related to product development, process improvement, and team growth. Engineer Directors play a critical role in hiring, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration, serving as a bridge between executive leadership and engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include defining long-term technical vision, fostering innovation, and maintaining high standards for quality and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer director?

To thrive as an Engineering Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep technical expertise in engineering disciplines, and a track record of managing complex projects, typically supported by an engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with project management tools, engineering software platforms, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often valuable. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and innovation. These competencies enable Engineering Directors to align technical teams with business goals, deliver high-quality solutions, and foster organizational growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Engineer Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Engineer Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Engineer Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mechanical Engineer Director

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$185K - $254K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 538 rated manufacturers


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:
$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.
Key Responsibilities
Technically lead and/or execute unusually complex engineering projects and spearhead research and development of new technologies as appropriate
Develops and implements concepts for entire range of unusually complex product issues and engineering solutions
Problem identification and troubleshooting a wide range of unusually complex engineering and technology problems that have division wide potential implications
Interface with internal and external customers regarding unusually complex engineering issues and troubleshooting to solve customers High Value Problems (HVP) for the unit's product line
Specify or perform unusually complex engineering analysis
Specify the development of, design, or modify engineering layouts/schematics and/or detailed drawings/specifications of unusually complex scope
Generate product specifications. Define, coordinate, perform, and document engineering tests.
Specify and review engineering documentation and engineering processes
Functional Knowledge
  • Recognized as "guru" or external expert in a function
  • Demonstrates broad and comprehensive expertise in leading-edge theories, techniques and/or technologies within own field

Business Expertise
  • Influences internal/external business and/or regulatory issues that have an impact on the business

Leadership
  • Leads highly visible multidisciplinary project teams or initiatives; provides thought leadership

Problem Solving
  • Proactively identifies and solves the most complex problems; uses ground-breaking methods to think beyond existing solutions

Impact
  • Impacts business direction through the development of innovative services or products

Interpersonal Skills
  • Negotiates with senior management, customers, regulators or vendors to influence decisions

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
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.

What Applied Materials employees say

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Benefits

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967