Job PurposePosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic
Fab Operations Manager/Director to oversee day-to-day manufacturing execution across our integrated production and technology development wafer fabs.
This critical operational leadership role requires balancing two competing priorities: maximizing tool utilization and wafer throughput for mature, revenue-generating high-volume manufacturing (HVM), while maintaining agility, engineering cycle time, and precise tool allocation for advanced technology development lots. You will lead cross-functional shift teams, establish real-time dispatch and WIP-management protocols, and cultivate a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and cross-functional operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities1. Production Execution & Operational Logistics- Dual-Line Flow Optimization: Drive overall line flow to balance standard volume production commitments with rapid turn time (Q-time/cycle time) requirements for R&D, pilot runs, and engineering lots.
- WIP Management & Bottleneck Mitigation: Implement dynamic WIP profiling and dispatching heuristics (e.g., Critical Ratio, FIFO with dynamic R&D priority tiers) using MES and RTD (Real-Time Dispatching) systems to prevent line starvation or queue buildup at primary lithography, etch, and CMP bottlenecks.
- Queue-Time & Shelf-Life Control: Enforce rigid protocols for queue-time-sensitive process loops (e.g., pre-clean to gate oxidation, silicide to dielectric deposition) to prevent wafer scrap and rework.
- OEE & Tool Utilization: Partner with Equipment Engineering to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Optimize recipe changeover protocols, batch sizing for furnace operations, and track/stepper matching to reduce non-productive tool idling.
2. Production Planning & Capacity Scheduling- Short-to Mid-Range Capacity Balancing: Collaborate with Supply Chain and Industrial Engineering (IE) to align weekly dynamic wafer starts with fab bottleneck capacities and planned preventative maintenance (PM) schedules.
- R&D vs. Production Tool Allocation: Establish clear, rule-based reservation windows and lot-release cadences for developmental process modules to eliminate tool-time contention between process integration engineers and production line leads.
- Scrap Reduction & Yield Integration: Co-lead root-cause investigations with Defect Reduction and Yield Enhancement teams for misprocessing events, line-yield excursions, and tool aborts, ensuring fast recovery and disposition of non-conforming WIP.
3. People Leadership & Shift Operations- Multi-Shift Team Development: Work with all shift Fab Operations Managers to direct, coach, and support the fab team across a 24/7/365 operating schedule.
- Skills Matrix & Cross-Training: Implement and maintain a comprehensive technician certification and cross-training matrix across functional modules (Photolithography, Thin Films, Etch, Diffusion/Implant, Wet Clean, and CMP) to ensure workforce agility during shift absences or production surges.
- Safety & Fab Discipline: Champion cleanroom safety standards, hazardous material handling compliance, and strict cleanroom behavioral protocol to maintain contamination-free operations and an incident-free workplace.
- Performance Management: Set clear KPIs for shift output, moves per tool, line linearity, and compliance, conducting regular performance evaluations and technical career progression planning.
Requirements
Required Qualifications & Experience- Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or equivalent operational experience; Master's/MBA preferred.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of semiconductor wafer fab manufacturing experience, with at least 3+ years in a supervisory or management role within 200mm or 300mm front-end cleanrooms.
- Direct operational experience working in a dual-purpose environment (handling both pilot-line/R&D and high-volume commercial production) is strongly preferred.
- Technical Systems: Proficiency with semiconductor Manufacturing Execution Systems (e.g., Applied Materials PROMIS/Fab300, SiView), automated dispatching/scheduling tools (RTD, APF), and statistical process control (SPC) software.
- Methodologies: Practical mastery of Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 8D root-cause problem solving.
Core Competencies & Skills- Operational Agility: Proven capability to make rapid, analytical trade-offs when high-priority R&D experiments intersect with high-stakes production delivery deadlines.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to interface smoothly between Process Integration, Yield, Equipment Maintenance, and Process Engineering.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to extract actionable operational directives from complex fab metrics (e.g., moves per day, turn rate, tool MTBF/MTTR, scrap cost, and bottleneck capacity utilization).
Work EnvironmentWork 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 RequirementsAuthorization 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 BenefitsSkorpios 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: Manager $130,000 - $150,000 Director: $150,000 to $200,000, 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.
