Senior Product Specialist

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

We are seeking a Sr. Product Specialist that will support the product management team in executing cost-reduction initiatives, will lead the execution of cross-functional cost -reduction and continuous improvement projects utilizing Project Management (PM) tools and methods to manage the progress and successful implementation of the projects.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Collaborating with supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing teams to gather   relevant data on production transfers, vendor sourcing, and internal cost-saving measures.
• Analyzing cost data, developing cost models, dashboards, and assessing results to prioritize cost-saving measures.  Implementing and maintaining a comprehensive system for monitoring and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to product performance and quality.   
• Managing and coordinating cost-reduction projects and continuous improvement projects from initiation to completion.  Defining project scope, creating/updating project plans, work breakdown structures, scheduling project deliverables, goals and milestones.
• Developing and managing budgets for product roadmap activities.  Monitoring and controlling project expenses to ensure they align with financial objectives.
• Maintaining accurate documentation of cost-saving activities, project timelines, and outcomes.  Validating and refining cost-saving data and managing internal documentation for clear reporting.
• Creating, gathering and storing all required project documents.  Managing the lessons learned efforts from each project.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Optics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or other applicable technical fields.  Degree in optics preferred.  MBA, a plus.
• Over 5 years of combined experience, with a strong background in data analysis, dashboard creation, and KPI reporting, and proven track record in leading projects and cross-functional teams, including experience in technical project management and successful implementation.
• A combination of advanced education, research, and professional experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of optics, optical assemblies, and systems technology preferred. 
• Excel: Able to do Vlookups, advanced formulas, pivot tables.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and cost analysis tools is preferred.  Experience with SAP and Power BI, a plus.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are considered material job duties of the position:  

• Ability to take and follow directions and instructions. 
• Ability to interact with other employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public, in a safe, professional, and respectful manner.  
• Access to sensitive and confidential business systems and software, personally identifying information, the company’s financial information, and/or the ability to maintain physical security and safety.
• Because this position involves the above material job duties, trustworthiness, reliability, and good judgment also are material job duties.  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support business goals. Travel estimated at an average of 10%.
• This is a hybrid opportunity with an average of 3 days per week working on-site in our Irvine, CA office, and 2 days per week working remotely.

Compensation and Benefits:  

Salary Pay Range: 78,400.00 - 145,600.00 USD per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.   

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable]. 

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.]. 

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers. 

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Instruments, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

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