Senior Project Manager R&D

About the job:

As Senior Project Manager – R&D, you will lead the execution of our innovative and challenging R&D projects that enables the next-generation metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will work closely with the R&D Manager and will enable the multi-disciplinary team working on hardware, software, and algorithm development to push the boundaries of nanoscale measurement. Your role is pivotal in ensuring that the technologies and AFM-based metrology systems being developed by the R&D team meet customer performance requirements and delivery timelines. You will support the R&D Manager who drives the R&D technology roadmap.

What will you be doing?

• Lead end-to-end R&D projects for AFM-based metrology tools, from concept through prototype, validation, making it ready for productization.

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans including timelines, resource allocation, deliverables, and risk management.

• Coordinate the cross-functional team in applied physics, optics, mechanics, controls, electronics, data science and AI.

• Drive alignment between technical development and customer/market requirements in collaboration with product marketing.

• Drive deliverables needed for productization in collaboration with the Product development programs, design & engineering and the system engineering team.

• Monitor progress against technical milestones and budget; escalate issues and drive resolution to keep projects on track. · Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements (e.g., SEMI standards).

• Facilitate cross-site and cross-functional communication; act as a key liaison between R&D, Product Marketing, Systems Engineering and D&E.

• Support continuous improvement of program execution processes, particularly within highly technical and precision-focused environments

What do we require from you?

• Technical Acumen – Metrology & AFM Understanding of AFM technologies, precision mechanics, nanoscale measurement, and semiconductor metrology applications. Project & Program Management.

• Expertise in managing complex, cross-functional R&D projects using structured methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate).

• Systems Thinking Ability to manage interdependencies across software, hardware, algorithms, and customer requirements in complex tool development.

• Risk & Issue Management Skilled in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating technical and schedule risks throughout the development lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Management Effectively communicates with technical teams, senior leadership, suppliers, and customers; builds alignment across functions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making Uses analytical thinking and quantitative data to support trade-off decisions and performance tracking.

• Quality and Compliance Knowledge of SEMI standards, design validation processes, and quality control within semiconductor tool development.

• Strategic Execution Focus on business goals and customer needs and translating them into actionable R&D plans; aligns project scope with organizational priorities.

• Influence Without Authority Builds trust and motivates diverse technical teams, even when reporting lines do not exist.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership Brings together experts from design, software, mechanical engineering, applications, and marketing to drive results.

• Change Agility Comfortable navigating ambiguity, adjusting plans in dynamic settings, and leading others through change.

• Results Orientation Holds self and others accountable for delivering milestones, quality, and outcomes under pressure.

• Innovation Enablement Fosters a culture of experimentation, learning, and continuous technical improvement within the team.

• Communication & Transparency Communicates program goals, progress, and risks clearly to both technical teams and executive leadership