Equipment Engineering Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead a team of approximately 2+ Equipment Engineers and several technicians supporting multiple equipment modules (e.g., plasma, metals, wet, lithography, etc.).
  • Promote a servant leadership culture that values curiosity, mentorship, and joyful engagement over hierarchy or ego.
  • Develop and coach engineers and technicians through individual growth plans, performance feedback, and structured training programs.
  • Encourage cross-training, technical certifications, and career development aligned with company needs and employee goals.
  • Build an inclusive and supportive team environment where collaboration and accountability thrive.
• Operational Excellence
  • Ensure equipment uptime and process stability through structured preventive maintenance, data-driven decision making, and proactive problem solving.
  • Review and challenge teams to prioritize effectively based on operations needs and risk.
  • Lead daily operations discussions, providing status updates, constraints, and recovery plans.
  • Drive rapid resolution of tool issues by fostering collaboration between Engineering, Process, Facilities, and Operations teams.
  • Support development activities and process introductions to ensure smooth transitions from R&D to manufacturing.
• Continuous Improvement & Project Execution
  • Develop and manage module-level improvement roadmaps focused on safety, quality, yield, and cost efficiency.
  • Drive corrective and preventive actions to closure through structured problem-solving methods (5Y, 8D, FMEA, etc.).
  • Leverage SPC and data automation to increase team reliance on measurable performance metrics.
  • Identify opportunities for tool upgrades, reliability improvements, and cost reductions.
  • Oversee project schedules, capital justifications, and installation activities for new or relocated tools.
• Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with key vendors and service providers to strengthen technical support and responsiveness.
  • Mentor engineers on the importance of vendor relationships, negotiation, and long-term partnership.
  • Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, EHS, Facilities, and Operations leadership to align on shared priorities.
  • Ensure all activities meet or exceed site safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Performance Management & Reporting
  • Define, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) for tool availability, MTBF, PM compliance, and cost metrics.
  • Use data visualization and reporting tools to provide meaningful insight to senior management.
  • Ensure accurate maintenance records, PM documentation, and tool history logs are maintained.

Education & Experience

Preferred Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent experience and demonstrated leadership capability may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Expected Minimum Years of Related Experience

• 10+ years of semiconductor equipment experience including 3+ years in leadership of engineers and/or technicians.
• Proven success managing multiple tool types or modules within a wafer fabrication or advanced manufacturing environment.

Skills

• Deep understanding of semiconductor equipment principles — mechanical, electrical, vacuum, and process interactions.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with demonstrated servant leadership mindset.
• Skilled in data-driven problem solving, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution under dynamic production conditions.
• Experience managing capital projects, vendor contracts, and spare parts budgets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and manufacturing data systems (e.g., MES, CMMS, SPC).
• Collaborative leadership style that promotes inclusion, accountability, and joy in the workplace.

Working Conditions

• Work primarily in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom environment as needed to support team activities.
• Wear full cleanroom attire and work safely around chemicals and process gases.
• Flex