Role Overview for Director of Process Engineering – Semiconductor Manufacturing
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a global leader in semiconductor innovation, a company renowned for developing cutting-edge technology that powers the world’s most advanced devices. Our client is at the forefront of the industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in microelectronics. We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Director of Process Engineering to join their executive leadership team in Santa Clara, CA. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping the future of their manufacturing processes and ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
The Director of Process Engineering will provide strategic and tactical leadership to a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists. You will be the driving force behind the development, optimization, and scaling of next-generation semiconductor fabrication processes. This position requires a leader with deep technical expertise, exceptional business acumen, and a proven track record of building and mentoring high-performing teams. You will be responsible for the entire process engineering lifecycle, from technology transfer and new process introduction (NPI) to high-volume manufacturing (HVM) stability and continuous improvement. Your leadership will directly impact product performance, manufacturing yield, production costs, and overall business success. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and operational excellence in the semiconductor field, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Process Engineering – Semiconductor Manufacturing
The Director of Process Engineering will have a broad range of responsibilities spanning strategic planning, team leadership, technical execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Success in this role requires a hands-on leader who can operate at both the strategic and tactical levels.
Strategic Leadership and Technical Vision
- Develop and articulate a compelling long-term vision and strategic roadmap for the Process Engineering department, aligning with the company’s overall technology and business objectives.
- Identify and champion key technological advancements and process innovations to drive significant improvements in yield, quality, cost, and cycle time.
- Stay informed on the latest semiconductor industry trends, competitive landscape, and new manufacturing methodologies to ensure the company remains a technology leader.
- Present strategic initiatives, performance metrics, and capital investment proposals to the executive leadership team.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead, inspire, and manage a large organization of process engineers, managers, and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Recruit, hire, and retain top-tier engineering talent, building a world-class team capable of solving the industry’s most complex challenges.
- Provide robust coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities for team members, establishing clear goals and conducting regular performance reviews.
- Develop succession plans for critical roles and cultivate the next generation of technical leaders within the organization.
Process Development and High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM) Excellence
- Oversee the end-to-end development, characterization, and qualification of new process technologies, ensuring a seamless and rapid transfer from R&D to HVM.
- Direct continuous improvement programs across all fabrication modules, including Lithography, Etch, Deposition (CVD, PVD, ALD), Chemical-Mechanical Planarization (CMP), and Metrology.
- Implement and enforce rigorous process control methodologies, including advanced Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE), to ensure process stability and minimize variability.
- Lead task forces to resolve complex process integration issues, yield excursions, and quality deviations, performing deep-dive root cause analysis and implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with key partner organizations, including R&D, Equipment Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Quality Assurance, and Product Engineering.
- Act as the primary technical liaison between process engineering and other departments to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Partner with the supply chain and equipment vendors to evaluate, select, and qualify new manufacturing tools and materials that meet stringent performance and cost targets.
- Work closely with design and product teams to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles early in the product development lifecycle.
Operational and Financial Management
- Develop and manage the department’s annual operating budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet strategic goals.
- Lead the capital expenditure planning process for the process engineering group, justifying investments in new equipment and infrastructure.
- Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track departmental performance, reporting progress to senior management and driving accountability.
- Ensure all engineering activities are conducted in compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
Requirements for the Director of Process Engineering – Semiconductor Manufacturing
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in semiconductor process engineering and a proven ability to lead at a senior level. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical discipline such as Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or Physics is required.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the semiconductor fabrication industry.
- A minimum of 8 years of direct management experience, with a proven track record of leading and scaling large, high-performing engineering teams.
- Demonstrated experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment for advanced logic (FinFET, GAA), memory (3D NAND, DRAM), or related technologies.
Technical Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of semiconductor process integration and the interplay between different process modules.
- Deep, hands-on expertise in several core process areas, such as advanced lithography (EUV), plasma etch, thin film deposition, and CMP.
- Strong command of modern process control techniques, data analysis, statistical methods (SPC, DOE), and yield enhancement methodologies.
- Familiarity with device physics and the impact of process variations on device performance and reliability.
Leadership and Interpersonal Skills
- Exceptional leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence teams across the organization.
- Outstanding strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of effectively presenting complex information to both technical and executive audiences.
- Proven ability to manage large budgets, make critical capital decisions, and drive operational efficiency.
- A collaborative and results-driven mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative, and demanding environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. As a valued leader, you will be eligible for:
- Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Substantial equity package, including Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the company’s success.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Support for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and tuition reimbursement programs.
- Employee wellness programs and access to on-site amenities such as a fitness center and subsidized cafeteria.
- An inclusive and dynamic work environment that values diversity and innovation.
How to Apply
If you are a driven and experienced semiconductor leader ready to take on a new challenge and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners specializes in connecting elite talent with transformative opportunities in the technology sector.
To be considered for this exclusive opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership experience. For more information about our expertise in this field, please visit our Semiconductor & Technology Recruiting practice area.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
