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# VP, Manufacturing Engineering with a Semiconductor Co. – Phoenix, AZ


Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Engineering with a Semiconductor Co. – Phoenix, AZ
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-leading semiconductor company in their search for a visionary and transformative Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering. Located in the burgeoning tech hub of Phoenix, Arizona, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of advanced semiconductor fabrication. Our client is at the forefront of innovation, developing next-generation technologies that power everything from artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT).
As the VP of Manufacturing Engineering, you will be the strategic linchpin responsible for the entire manufacturing engineering ecosystem. You will command a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers and technicians, driving operational excellence, groundbreaking process innovation, and unparalleled product quality across multiple fabrication facilities (fabs).
This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic one. You will be expected to develop and execute a long-term roadmap that anticipates future technology nodes, materials science advancements, and market demands. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, collaborating closely with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance to ensure seamless integration from product conception to high-volume manufacturing.
We are seeking a leader who is not only technically brilliant in semiconductor processes but also an inspirational mentor and a shrewd business strategist. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing processes, coupled with a proven track record of scaling operations, optimizing yields, and driving down costs in a complex, capital-intensive environment. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s profitability, market position, and ability to deliver cutting-edge products to a global customer base. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in semiconductor manufacturing, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Engineering with a Semiconductor Co. – Phoenix, AZ
The VP of Manufacturing Engineering will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and implement a multi-year manufacturing engineering strategy that aligns with corporate objectives, technology roadmaps, and financial goals. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across all engineering functions.
Process Development & Optimization
Oversee the development, characterization, and optimization of all manufacturing processes, including photolithography, etch, deposition, CMP, and metrology. Drive initiatives to improve process control, reduce variability, and enhance device performance and reliability.
Yield Enhancement & Management
Take ultimate ownership of factory yield. Lead systematic, data-driven problem-solving efforts to identify and eliminate root causes of yield loss. Implement advanced statistical process control (SPC), fault detection and classification (FDC), and other predictive methodologies.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Lead the seamless transfer of new products and technologies from development to high-volume manufacturing, ensuring rapid ramp-up to mature yields and target costs.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and grow a world-class manufacturing engineering organization. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier engineering talent. Implement robust training programs and create clear career progression paths.
Capital Equipment Strategy
Partner with finance and operations to develop and manage the annual capital expenditure (CapEx) budget. Lead the evaluation, selection, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment to support technology advancements and capacity expansion.
Operational Excellence & Cost Reduction
Drive initiatives based on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize cycle time, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Quality & Reliability Assurance
Work in close partnership with the Quality organization to ensure all manufacturing processes meet and exceed the highest industry standards for quality and reliability. Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other relevant certifications.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key interface between Manufacturing Engineering and other critical departments, including R&D, Operations, Product Engineering, and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment and efficient execution of company-wide goals. Stay informed on the latest advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to inform strategic decisions.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Engineering with a Semiconductor Co. – Phoenix, AZ
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a deep and comprehensive background in semiconductor manufacturing. Specific qualifications include:
Education & Experience:

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field is strongly preferred. A Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline is required.
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the semiconductor industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above) managing large, complex manufacturing engineering teams.
Demonstrated experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment for advanced logic, memory, or analog semiconductor devices.
Proven track record of success in driving significant improvements in yield, cost, and cycle time.

Technical Skills & Expertise:

Expert-level knowledge of semiconductor wafer fabrication processes (e.g., lithography, etch, thin films, diffusion, CMP, etc.).
Strong understanding of device physics, process integration, and the interaction between process parameters and device performance.
Proficiency in statistical analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and data analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab).
Deep familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles (Black Belt certification is a plus).
Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and factory automation/CIM.

Leadership & Business Acumen:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization, from the fab floor to the C-suite.
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate complex technical challenges into clear business objectives and financial impact.
Proven ability to manage multi-million dollar budgets, including both operational expenses and capital investments.
A collaborative and team-oriented leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing talent.
Resilience and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and technologically advanced environment.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Package
A substantial long-term incentive plan, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with a robust wellness program, HSAs, and FSAs.
Retirement Savings
A leading 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous vacation policy, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the vibrant Phoenix area.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuous learning, including attending industry conferences, executive coaching, and further education.
On-Site Amenities
Access to modern facilities, including on-site fitness centers, subsidized cafes, and collaborative workspaces.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with the skills and experience to drive the future of semiconductor manufacturing, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy.
For more information or to explore other opportunities within our specialized practice areas, please visit the JRG Partners Technology & Semiconductor Practice page. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.