Strategic Partnerships Manager- Photonics

Company: Applied Materials
Location: Santa Clara
Posted on: March 11, 2026

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: $161,000.00 - $221,000.00 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 . We are actively recruiting a Strategic Partnerships Manager for our Optical Interconnect program in the Photonics Platforms Business (PPB). PPB is a rapidly growing business within Applied Materials. We are harnessing the power of Applied Material’s world-leading material science and nano-fabrication capabilities to enable the next generation of Optical Interconnects for AI Data Centers. The purpose of the Strategic Partnerships Manager role is to develop and nurture deep engagements with our most important partners. Experience in the Photonics industry is essential Key Responsibilities: Identify and develop deep long term partner relationships. Negotiate and own joint development agreements and programs. Scope and coordinate partner project plans and Statements of Work, in tight collaboration with engineering Team with the Engineering, Technical Project Management, Product Marketing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain groups. Ensure execution to your commitments Transition Joint Development programs into long term supply arrangement together with the Supply Chain team. Shape partner and internal roadmaps. Keep up to date on the industry ecosystem, and educate the management team on changes, and what they mean. Key skills and experience: Minimum Bachelor’s degree, ideally in a technical discipline. MBA a plus 5 years of relevant professional experience Excellent communication skills, including active listening and questioning to really understand what partners bring to us, and what they need from us Fluent English language and experience communicating with people from different countries on the phone and in-person Experience in the AI Data Center, AI, or Silicon Photonics industries Experience developing strategic partnerships Business savvy – understands business basics Partner empathy Excellent presentation skills Experience influencing action without owning resources Experience in managing projects together with the engineering team Experience managing and leading multiple projects simultaneously Experience negotiating contracts and agreements Startup experience a plus Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 25% 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.

Keywords: Applied Materials, San Francisco , Strategic Partnerships Manager- Photonics, Sales , Santa Clara, California