Job Purpose
The Vice President of Fab Engineering is a critical executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational execution, and technical capability of the entire semiconductor fabrication facility. This role oversees all Fab engineering disciplines-including Process Engineering, Process Integration, Equipment/Maintenance Engineering, and Yield Enhancement-to deliver on world-class manufacturing metrics. The VP ensures the Fab scales efficiently to meet commercial revenue targets, manages annual CapEx and OpEx budgets, drives technology transfers from R&D to High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM), and cultivates a high-performance culture of engineering excellence.
Essential Responsibilities- Executive & Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the long-term technical roadmap for Fab operations, aligning engineering capabilities with corporate growth, product roadmaps, and business unit priorities (such as the CPBU).
- Operational Excellence & Profitability: Hold ultimate accountability for Fab operational performance metrics, including baseline wafer yield, factory cycle time, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and cost per wafer.
- Cross-Functional Engineering Alignment: Unify and direct all Fab engineering organizations (Process, Integration, Equipment, and Yield) to eliminate silos, accelerate New Product Introductions (NPI), and ensure seamless technology transfers.
- CapEx & Asset Management: Spearhead the Fab's capital expenditure (CapEx) strategy, overseeing multi-million dollar tool procurement, facility expansions, cleanroom space optimization, and advanced capacity planning.
- Strategic Vendor & Joint Venture Relations: Lead executive-level negotiations and maintain strategic partnerships with primary semiconductor equipment manufacturers (OEMs), chemical/material suppliers, and external foundries.
- Quality & Risk Management: Establish and enforce comprehensive quality management systems (such as automotive-grade or aerospace standards if applicable), leading the Fab response to critical technical excursions or supply chain risks to guarantee 24/7 business continuity.
- Financial & Budgetary Oversight: Develop and manage the comprehensive annual operational budget (OpEx) for Fab engineering, identifying structural cost-reduction opportunities without sacrificing yield or quality.
- Talent Cultivation & Culture: Build, mentor, and scale a world-class engineering leadership team; drive workforce development programs, succession planning, and a culture centered on safety, data-driven accountability, and continuous improvement.
Supervisory Responsibilities- Provide executive direction to a senior leadership team, including Directors of Process Engineering, Process Integration, and Equipment Engineering.
- Oversee organizational design, headcount planning, and talent allocation for the entire Fab engineering ecosystem.
- Establish top-down organizational goals, performance tracking frameworks, and executive coaching for department heads.
Competencies- Executive Gravitas & Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical data into concise strategic insights for the Board, CEO, customers, and investors.
- Advanced Fab Management (HVM): Proven mastery of managing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facilities, including deep understanding of silicon photonics, MEMS, or advanced CMOS nodes.
- Financial & Business Acumen: Advanced capability in managing large-scale budgets, calculating return on investment (ROI) for capital equipment, and executing cost of goods sold (COGS) reduction strategies.
- Strategic Collaboration: Mastery in building alignment and navigating competing priorities across Operations, R&D, Finance, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.
- Change Management: Proven ability to lead large technical organizations through rapid scaling, structural transformations, and technological pivots.
Requirements
Required Education and Experience- Education: Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a highly related engineering/scientific discipline.
- Industrial Experience: 15+ years of progressive technical experience in semiconductor manufacturing, with a deep understanding of Front End (FEOL) and Back End (BEOL) processing.
- Leadership Experience: 7+ years in a senior director or executive-level role (e.g., Director of Fab Operations, Director of Integration/Process, or VP) directly managing multi-disciplinary engineering organizations within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
- Track Record: Demonstrated success in scaling a semiconductor fabrication facility from low-volume R&D/prototyping into stable, profitable high-volume manufacturing.
Preferred Qualifications- PhD in a relevant engineering field with published contributions to semiconductor or photonics technology.
- Extensive experience with silicon photonics integration or advanced optical communication device manufacturing.
- Formal certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Executive Leadership, or advanced Project Management (PMP).
Work Environment & Physical Demands- Environment: Split between an executive office setting, boardrooms, and active time inside the cleanroom Fab facility.
- Fab Activity: Periodic inspections and walkthroughs of the Fab cleanroom environment; required to wear full cleanroom PPE (bunny suit) during Fab visits.
- Travel: Up to 25% travel anticipated for vendor evaluations, customer executive reviews, and industry conferences.
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
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: $190,000 - $260,000, 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.
Salary Description
$190,000 to $260,000
