Director of Process Engineering

Job Purpose

The Director of Process Engineering is responsible for leading the unit process engineering teams (including Lithography Etch Thin Films and CMP) to ensure tool capability process stability and operational excellence in the Fab. This role drives robust equipment utilization statistical process control (SPC) and unit-level process optimizations to support high-yielding scalable manufacturing. The Director collaborates closely with Process Integration to productize new technologies manages vendor relationships for tool acquisitions and provides 24/7 technical oversight to ensure continuous high-volume production.

Essential Responsibilities

• Module Ownership & Scalability: Lead and manage the unit process engineering teams (Lithography Etch Thin Films Diffusion and CMP) to deliver stable repeatable and scalable manufacturing solutions.
• Process Control & Stability: Champion Statistical Process Control (SPC) Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) across all modules to reduce process variability eliminate scrap and maximize baseline yield.
• Tool Capability & Equipment Optimization: Partner with Maintenance and Equipment Engineering to optimize tool uptime match chamber capabilities and define rigorous preventative maintenance (PM) qualification criteria.
• Technology Transfer & NPI Support: Collaborate closely with the Process Integration team to source develop and qualify new unit processes required for New Product Introductions (NPI) and technology transfers into production.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction: Drive continuous improvement programs (CIP) centered on minimizing cycle time improving raw process times optimizing chemical/material consumption and lowering overall wafer cost.
• Vendor & Capital Management: Lead technical evaluations for new equipment acquisition manage vendor relationships and oversee the installation qualification and start-up of new Fab tools.
• Executive & Cross-Functional Communication: Prepare and present module health metrics capacity constraints tool qualification timelines and engineering updates to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Fab Engagement & Technical Escalation: Provide hands-on high-level technical troubleshooting in the Fab for complex process excursions; support 24/7 production schedules to ensure minimal disruption to manufacturing lines.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Accomplish department objectives by organizing monitoring and directing the work of unit process engineering managers and staff.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle for the process engineering team including recruiting onboarding training and professional development.
• Set clear module-specific performance goals monitor progress and provide consistent engineering coaching and mentorship.

Competencies

• Technical Mastery: Deep expert-level knowledge of advanced semiconductor unit processes equipment capabilities and the fundamental physics/chemistry of Fab tools.
• Operational Excellence: Proven track record in lean manufacturing SPC management tool-matching strategies and high-volume manufacturing (HVM) line stabilization.
• Influence & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to align priorities and collaborate across Process Integration Equipment Engineering Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Analytical Skills: Advanced data analysis capabilities using yield management software statistical tools (JMP Minitab or equivalent) and data-driven root cause analysis.
• Adaptability & Leadership: Ability to lead a highly technical team through rapid scaling tight production timelines and complex technical excursions.

Required Education and Experience

• Education: Masters degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering Materials Science Electrical Engineering Physics or a related scientific/engineering discipline.
• Industrial Experience: 8 years of direct experience in Semiconductor/MEMS process engineering specifically within a cleanroom/Fab manufacturing environment.
• Leadership: 3 years of demonstrated experience managing technical engineering teams or unit module groups.
• Technical Proficiency: Comprehensive expertise in multiple unit processes including but not limited to Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Dry/Wet Etch Photolithography and Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP).

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD with a research focus directly applicable to advanced semiconductor processing or unit modules.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Direct experience managing capital equipment (CapEx) acquisition budgets and tool installation/qualification cycles.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Environment: Primarily performed in a temperature-controlled setting with an open cubicle layout alongside significant active time inside the cleanroom Fab.
• Fab Activity: Frequent walking and standing in the Fab for prolonged periods; required to wear full cleanroom attire (PPE) including bunny suits hoods masks and safety glasses.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods; occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs (e.g. tool components or wafer carriers); ability to reach bend and squat to inspect tools in confined spaces.
• Travel: Less than 25% anticipated (primarily vend or equipment site visits).

Why Skorpios

At Skorpios you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines.

Skorpios offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Gym Membership Discounts

Export Control / ITAR Statement: This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder) Political Asylee or Refugee.

Skorpios Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin ancestry age (40 and over) physical or mental disability medical condition genetic information marital status military or veteran status protected leave status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws.

As a federal contractor Skorpios Technologies Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities women protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Skorpios Technologies Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at or

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled open cubicle setting. Frequent interruptions and conversational noise can be expected. This role may also require occasional work in a manufacturing or cleanroom environment.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Authorization may be required to release covered technology to employees who are not U.S. citizens U.S. nationals lawful permanent residents asylees or refugees.

Compensation and Benefits

Skorpios embraces a Total Compensation philosophy that includes a base salary and eligibility for overtime for non-exempt roles.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee health welfare and retirement. Highlights include healthcare benefits a 401(k) savings plan and paid time off.

Expected salary range: $175000 $225000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The actual starting rate will be determined based on role-related criteria including educational qualifications or equivalent experience relevant work history and the skills required for the role.