US Foreign Trade Zone Specialist

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the 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 work beyond the cutting-edge, continuously pushing the boundaries of science and engineering to make possible the next generations of technology, join us to Make Possible® a Better Future. 

What We Offer

Salary:

Location:

At Applied, we prioritize the well-being of you and your family and encourage you to bring your best self to work. Your happiness, health, and resiliency are at the core of our benefits and wellness programs. Our robust total rewards package makes it easier to take care of your whole self and your whole family. 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. 

You’ll also 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 about careers at Applied.

Position

Applied Materials, Inc.

Worldwide Manufacturing Organization

US Foreign Trade Zone Specialist

Key Responsibilities

This role will report to the Director of Global Freight and Transportation. The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Special will ensure compliance with FTZ regulations, manage inventory, and coordinate with Trade Operations to facilitate international trade operations. In addition to specific FTZ expertise, this role requires a broad level of experience in and understanding of the various global and regional transportation modes (Bulk Air, Ocean, Small Parcel, and Bulk Ground) and support functions (TMS, Control Towers, and developing training materials).

Foreign Trade Zone Functions:

• Ensure all FTZ operations adhere to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and FTZ program requirements. 
• Maintain accurate records of all FTZ activities, including merchandise admissions, inventory movements, and exports.
• Oversee and reconcile FTZ inventory, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Ensure trade operations has the necessary data to prepare and submit necessary customs forms (e.g., CBP Form 214, 7501, 7512) for FTZ operations and required reports to the FTZ Board and other relevant agencies.
• Work with internal teams (logistics, inventory, finance, trade operations) to ensure smooth FTZ operations.
• Provide guidance and support to internal teams on FTZ-related matters.
• Investigate and resolve any issues or discrepancies related to FTZ operations.
• Collaborate with Trade operations to keep abreast of changes in U.S. Customs regulations and FTZ program guidelines.

Support Functions:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders in Logistics Operations, Global Trade, Finance, IT, and Legal.
• Partner with Global Trade and local customs to ensure freight process designs and executions are following Applied trade policies.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders including transportation providers, warehouse providers, and craters.
• Ensuring Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place inside Applied Operations and with Applied’s Logistics Service Providers.

Success in this role requires the ability to effectively partner and directly or indirectly lead within a matrix, multi-site, global, cross functional team consisting of representatives from transportation operations, warehouse operations, engineering, manufacturing, finance, trade compliance, and other organizations. Must be able to effectively present to and influence vertically and horizontally inside Applied at all levels and functions. Must be able to exercise effective leadership with a team of highly motived and capable logistics professionals with a high degree of business acumen.

Minimum Requirements: Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics Operations, Transportation or Supply Chain.
• Minimum 8 years relevant operations experience in Trade, Transportation, and Logistics disciplines.
• 2+ years of experience administering a foreign-trade zone or related import/export experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading logistics projects and new implementations.
• Experience with SAP S/4Hana a plus.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of FTZ operations and administration.
• Strong understanding and market insights of Global Freight and Transportation.
• Ability to demonstrate high sense of urgency.
• Highly adaptable in a fast paced, dynamic environment.  
• Accustomed to taking accountability for ensuring that projects are completing in a timely manner.
• Internally driven and proactive in approach.
• Attention to details and analytical in problem solving.  
• Strong ability to effectively communicate at all levels and collaborate with a culturally diversified cross functional team.
• Knowledge in DMAIC, 8D and Six Sigma typed Quality methodologies is an asset.
• Ability to adapt plans and priorities to meet service and / or operational challenges.
• Understanding of U.S. import and export regulations, HTSUS merchandise classification, and FTZ procedures. 
• Experience with FTZ software, warehouse management systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively. 

Job Nature

• Full Time Employee / Day Job
• Location Based: Austin
• Travelling 10% based on project requirements

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

Travel:

Relocation Eligible:

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.