Role Overview for VP, R&D, New Platform Development with a Semiconductor Firm – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the semiconductor industry, a company renowned for its pioneering technology and relentless pursuit of innovation. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, our client is at the forefront of developing the foundational technologies that power the world’s most advanced computing, communication, and consumer electronics. As they embark on their next phase of exponential growth, we are seeking a transformative and visionary executive to join their leadership team as the Vice President of R&D, New Platform Development.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned R&D leader to take ownership of the company’s most strategic initiatives. You will be responsible for building and leading the organization that conceives, architects, and executes the next generation of revolutionary technology platforms. This role is not just about incremental improvements; it is about creating industry-disrupting solutions that will define new markets and solidify our client’s position as an undisputed market leader for years to come. You will be the central force driving the technical vision and execution for platforms that integrate cutting-edge processing, connectivity, and AI capabilities. This is a rare opportunity to define and execute a strategy that will be instrumental in shaping the future of semiconductor technology and enabling the next wave of intelligent devices. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep technical roots, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of delivering complex, high-performance silicon from concept to high-volume production.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, New Platform Development with a Semiconductor Firm – San Jose, CA
As the VP of R&D, you will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including:
Strategic and Technical Vision
Define and champion the long-term R&D strategy and technology roadmap for new platforms. Collaborate with the executive team to ensure alignment with corporate strategy, business objectives, and market demands. Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, competitive threats, and market trends to maintain a significant technological lead.
Leadership and Team Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary R&D organization encompassing architecture, design, verification, physical design, and post-silicon validation. Foster a dynamic culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and rapid innovation. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier engineering talent from across the industry.
Execution and Flawless Delivery
Drive the end-to-end development lifecycle for all new platform programs. Implement best-in-class design and development methodologies to ensure predictable execution, on-time delivery, and the highest levels of quality and reliability. Oversee complex System-on-Chip (SoC) projects from initial concept and feasibility studies through tape-out and successful product launch.
Resource and Budget Management
Develop and manage multi-million dollar R&D budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and human resources. Drive efficiency and ROI on all R&D investments. Make critical decisions regarding internal development versus external IP acquisition and partnerships.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Forge strong, collaborative relationships with executive peers in Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Operations. Ensure a seamless flow of information and alignment between the R&D organization and the rest of the company to deliver products that exceed customer expectations.
Innovation and Intellectual Property
Champion a culture of continuous innovation and technical exploration. Oversee the creation and protection of a robust intellectual property (IP) portfolio that provides a sustainable and defensible competitive advantage in the marketplace.
External Technology Evangelism
Serve as a key technical spokesperson for the company. Engage with key customers, strategic partners, industry consortia, and the academic community to understand their needs, influence industry standards, and stay at the absolute forefront of technological advancements.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, New Platform Development with a Semiconductor Firm – San Jose, CA
The successful candidate will be a proven technology executive with a distinguished career in the semiconductor industry. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Educational Background
A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field is required.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in semiconductor R&D, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing large, globally distributed engineering teams.
Deep Technical Expertise
Authoritative, hands-on knowledge in complex SoC architecture, digital/analog/mixed-signal design, and verification methodologies. Must have a proven track record with multiple successful tape-outs of complex chips in advanced process nodes (e.g., 7nm, 5nm, 3nm). Expertise in high-performance CPU/GPU/NPU architectures, memory subsystems, high-speed interconnects (e.g., PCIe, CXL), and system-level power management is essential.
Visionary Leadership
Demonstrated success in building, scaling, and managing high-performance R&D organizations. A history of attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent. Must be an inspiring leader who can create and articulate a compelling technical vision.
Strong Business Acumen
A deep understanding of the semiconductor market, customer applications, and competitive landscape. The ability to translate complex technical features into clear business value and make data-driven decisions that positively impact the bottom line.
Execution Excellence
An impeccable track record of successfully delivering multiple complex silicon products from concept to high-volume production, consistently meeting schedule, budget, and quality targets. Expertise in modern project management and product development processes.
Exceptional Communication Skills
World-class verbal, written, and presentation skills. The ability to effectively communicate with and influence a wide range of audiences, from deeply technical engineers to the CEO, Board of Directors, customers, and investors.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for you and your dependents.
- An aggressive 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- A significant equity package (Restricted Stock Units/Stock Options) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- Lucrative annual performance-based bonus program.
- Substantial budget for professional development, conferences, and continuing education.
- State-of-the-art office and laboratory facilities in a prime San Jose location.
- On-site fitness center, wellness programs, and health-focused initiatives.
- Daily catered lunches, and fully stocked kitchens with snacks and beverages.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services.
- Comprehensive relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Bay Area.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the experience and passion to drive the next wave of semiconductor innovation, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise will be instrumental in defining the future of technology, and we are excited to discuss how this role aligns with your career aspirations.
To be considered for this pivotal leadership position, please submit your resume and a cover letter. For more information about our expertise in this domain, please visit JRG Partners’ Technology & Semiconductor Executive Search practice. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
