Position Title
Senior Director / Vice President, Silicon Process Development & Technology Transfer
Mission & Opportunity Lead the world's first thermoelectric / thermal-diffusion nanocompressor-on-chip from proof-of-concept wafers in a Tier-1 university nanofabrication facility followed by a disciplined transfer and scale-up in a commercial 200 mm foundry -enabling next-generation, ultra-compact drug-delivery systems.
Role Summary Reporting to the CEO, you will own wafer-level process definition, development, qualification, and technology transfer. Key modules include SiGe thermoelectric stacks, nanoscale thermal-diffusion channels, MEMS valve structures, and wafer-level hermetic packaging suitable for regulated medical devices.
Core Responsibilities
Process & Technology Development
• Architect end-to-end flows (SiGe epitaxy, sub-100 nm thermal-diffusion fins, DRIE, wafer bonding).
• Execute DOE, SPC, and yield-learning initiatives focused on thermal efficiency, flow accuracy, process quality and long-term reliability.
Step-Wise Wafer & Surface Quality Assurance - Establish in-line checkpoints for surface roughness, film thickness, defect density, and contamination at every critical step; correlate metrology trends to both tool parameters and facility conditions.
• Disciplined, Data-Driven Problem-Solving - Drive rigorous observation and SPC dashboards, 8D, PDCA, and DMAIC to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and sustain improvements.
Technology Transfer & Scale-Up
• Build and run the Technology Transfer Plan (golden lots, process-window mapping, device-level Cpk targets).
• Ensure copy-exact discipline, GMP traceability, and documentation for future FDA Class II submissions.
Facility Operational Quality
• Collaborative Environmental Control - Work with university clean-room staff to verify temperature, humidity, airborne-particle, vibration, surface contamination surveillance and ESD controls are commissioned, statistically monitored, and within spec (pre-condition for every fab operational step or move). In addition, work with university fab team on equipment availability, preventive maintenance, commissioning for use post-maintenance, equipment process quality monitoring and surveillance.
Facility Operations Management Collaboration
Establish relationships with key university fab management staff to assure constant alignment of goals, expectations and actions.
Team Leadership & Decision Discipline
• Lead and mentor a focused team of 5 - 10 process, device, and equipment engineers plus contract and university technicians.
• Institutionalize data-driven decision frameworks, process discipline, high quality team interactions and reporting.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Device Design, Systems, Reliability, Packaging, and Regulatory to lock specs, design rules, and Design History File artifacts.
Strategic & Financial Management
• Own multi-year CAPEX/OPEX plans; present technical and financial dashboards to executives and the Board.
Required Qualifications- 15 + years in silicon wafer processing; 5 + years leading SiGe or MEMS integration programs.
- Proven record of first-silicon-to-HVM transfers (150 - 300 mm) with measurable yield ramps.
- Deep expertise in thermoelectric or high-thermal-gradient silicon structures or comparable advanced nodes.
- Mastery of SPC, FMEA/8D, ISO 9001 / ISO 13485 (or IATF 16949) quality systems.
- PhD or MS in EE, Materials Science, Physics, or related.
Preferred Extras- Publications or patents in thermoelectrics, SiGe device physics, or MEMS fluidic actuation.
- Experience qualifying semiconductor components for FDA-regulated drug-delivery or life-support devices.
- Knowledge of wafer-level hermetic packaging, TSV integration, and microfluidic channel fabrication.
Why This Role?- First-Mover Advantage - Create the manufacturing blueprint for a breakthrough nanocompressor that will transform drug delivery.
- Green-Field Build - Shape both the technology stack and the team culture from day one.
- Executive Visibility & Equity - Direct line to the Board, competitive compensation, and significant equity participation.
LocationBay Area, California
Equal Opportunity - We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.