Application Manager – Japan

About Nearfield Instruments

Nearfield Instruments (NFI) brings together leading experts in science and technology to develop next‑generation metrology solutions for the semiconductor industry.

Our high‑throughput Scanning Probe Microscopy platform enables atom-scale, 3D metrology at industrial production speeds, helping customers achieve higher yield and performance in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Our technology is based on three core strengths:

• Unrivaled measurement speed

• Advanced parallelization capability

• Innovative measurement modes

We design, develop, integrate, and support advanced metrology systems for the world's leading semiconductor companies. Our commitment is to deliver systems that meet specifications, are installed on schedule, and perform reliably in high-volume manufacturing environments.

Our Values

• Striving for technological leadership

• Open and transparent communication

• Responsibility with mutual trust

• Commitment to quality and results

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Long-term partnership approach

The Role

As Application Manager Japan, you will play a central role in ensuring the successful implementation and adoption of NFI’s metrology applications across the Japanese market.

In this position, you act as a key liaison between customers, the local Japan organization, and global headquarters, ensuring alignment between customer requirements and product capabilities.

You will be responsible for overseeing application performance, guiding local teams, and supporting key customer relationships, while contributing to the long-term growth of NFI in Japan.

This role requires a balance of technical expertise, structured leadership, and stakeholder coordination, with a strong focus on reliability, trust, and execution excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of application performance and customer satisfaction in Japan

• Lead and support customer engagements, including evaluations, demonstrations, and acceptance processes

• Translate customer needs into clear technical requirements and coordinate with global R&D teams

• Drive the adoption of new applications in alignment with customer roadmaps

• Work closely with global functions (R&D, Product Management, Service) to ensure high-quality delivery

• Oversee benchmarking, validation, and quality assurance of metrology performance

• Provide guidance and daily direction to local application engineers and field teams

• Act as a structured escalation point for complex technical matters

• Support the commercial organization with technical input for proposals and customer discussions

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and new applications

• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and knowledge-sharing practices

• Contribute to future product and application development in close coordination with headquarters

Profile

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

• 7–12+ years of experience in semiconductor equipment, metrology, or applications engineering

• Experience with AFM or advanced metrology technologies is strongly preferred

• Proven experience working with Japanese semiconductor customers or within the Japanese market

• Demonstrated ability to guide teams and collaborate within structured organizations

• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively

• Structured, detail-oriented, and quality-driven working style

• Comfortable working within an international organization with global reporting lines

• Fluent in English and Japanese

• Willingness to travel within Japan and internationally

Why this Role is Important

Japan is a strategically important market for Nearfield Instruments, with highly advanced semiconductor manufacturers and strong expectations for quality, reliability, and long-term partnership.

In this role, you will contribute to:

Establishing a strong and trusted local presence

Building long-term relationships with key customers

Ensuring successful adoption of advanced metrology solutions

You will serve as a critical link between global innovation and local customer success, supporting both immediate project execution and long-term collaboration.