Steve Williams
Salida,CA
Summary
Seasoned operations executive with 25+ years leading high-stakes, high-complexity environments across semiconductor manufacturing, global operations, engineering systems, and nuclear technology. Known for strengthening organizational performance, scaling operations, and driving transformation in both commercial and national laboratory settings. Adept at aligning cross-functional teams, modernizing processes, and elevating standards for safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, SPG Operations
Applied Materials
01.2021 - Current
- Oversee global operational standards, resource alignment, and capability development to support business growth.
- Lead safety and process governance, strengthening application of safety practices across the organization.
- Partner with product, engineering, and field teams to improve throughput, reliability, and customer responsiveness.
- Mentor and develop leaders at multiple levels, reinforcing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
I&W; Operations
Applied Materials
01.2000 - 01.2021
- Formed and led a global management organization to standardize and elevate regional performance.
- Drove major process optimization efforts improving yield, cycle time, equipment readiness, and cost efficiency.
- Guided application development and transformation initiatives in partnership with IT.
- Recognized as the subject-matter expert for all operational processes within the business area.
- Delivered complex, cross-departmental projects under aggressive timelines and evolving technical requirements.
Senior Engineering Technologist
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Supported R&D; programs focused on advanced energy systems and materials science.
- Provided expertise in testing, instrumentation, and facility operations while collaborating with interdisciplinary engineering teams.
Tritium Operations Specialist
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Operated and maintained tritium processing and containment systems within a high-security research setting.
- Ensured strict compliance with nuclear safety and environmental protection standards.
Nuclear Operations Technician
United States Navy
01.1986 - 01.1996
- Operated and maintained nuclear propulsion systems aboard naval vessels.
- Supervised reactor operations, mechanical systems, and technical personnel.
- Maintained top-secret clearance and earned recognition for operational reliability, safety, and leadership.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VASkills
- Executive Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment
- Operational Excellence & Performance Management
- Manufacturing & Process Optimization
- Lean & Continuous Improvement
- Global Program & Project Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Nuclear Systems Operations & Safety Protocols
- Team collaboration
- Team management
- Strategies and goals
- Staff management
- Employee development
- Partnerships and alliances
- People management
- Project management
- Business planning
- Team building
- Contract and vendor management
- Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Analytical thinking
- Creativity and innovation
- Program management
- Financial management
- Change management
- Relationship building
- Negotiation
- Logistics management
- Budget control
- Budget management
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Financial planning
- Organizational development
- Time management
- Hiring and retention
- Information technology management
- Goal setting
- Business development
- Project coordination
- Contract management
- Business administration
- Charismatic leader
- Crew collaboration
- Rules and regulations
- Talent acquisition
- Company guidelines
- Capital spending
- Coaching and mentoring
- Leadership development
- Financial analysis
- Performance management
- Visionary leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Task delegation
- Process improvement
- Intellectual property management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Business strategy
- Industry knowledge
- International business
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Team leadership
- Multitasking
- Interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
Multiple Presidential Quality awards for driving global improvement and cost savings.
Certification
- Accounting Foundations: Managerial Accounting (LinkedIn)
- Assessing and Improving Strategic Plans (LinkedIn)
- Additional LinkedIn training in leadership, operations, and strategic management
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Director, SPG Operations
Applied Materials
01.2021 - Current
I&W; Operations
Applied Materials
01.2000 - 01.2021
Senior Engineering Technologist
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
01.1997 - 01.2000
Tritium Operations Specialist
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
01.1996 - 01.1997
Nuclear Operations Technician
United States Navy
01.1986 - 01.1996
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Liberty University