Chief / VP of Engineering, Silicon Photonics

Description

Role Summary

The Chief / VP of Engineering will serve as a critical executive leader, overseeing the strategic direction and technical execution of our Silicon Photonics engineering teams. This role is responsible for driving the technology roadmap, managing all engineering functional leaders—including Process and Integration Technology leads—and ensuring the seamless delivery of high-performance semiconductor solutions. You will blend high-level organizational strategy with hands-on technical guidance to bridge the gap between customer requirements and Fab execution.

Essential Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership: Lead various engineering and operations organizations to meet milestones, resolve conflicts, and align priorities across cross-functional teams.
• Technology Execution: Drive and manage the end-to-end technology execution of projects, specifically overseeing Silicon Photonics engineers and Process/Integration leads.
• Customer Co-creation: Partner directly with customers to co-create solutions and resolve both technical and tactical issues during the development lifecycle.
• Strategic Planning: Consult with the CEO to create long-range operating and manufacturing goals specific to Silicon Photonics.
• Executive Reporting: Prepare and present comprehensive Project Reviews to peers, Executive Leadership, and Customers, ensuring transparency on schedule and budget.
• Technical Specification: Define Objective Specification documents based on customer requirements and develop integrated process modules to meet those specifications.
• Process Optimization: Correlate output device parameters to inline Fab measurements/metrics; utilize Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to develop Macro Modules.
• Hands-on Problem Solving: Consult and participate in hands-on Fab inspections for complex technical issues and failure analysis.

Competencies

• Influential Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional stakeholders without formal authority.
• Strategic Collaboration: Ability to work closely with the VP of PLM and other executives to determine product-market fit and operational readiness.
• Communication Excellence: Superb verbal and written communication skills with a focus on technical documentation and executive-level clarity.
• Technical Mastery: Deep understanding of Silicon Photonics, Design, and integration technology.
• Results Focused: Data-driven mindset with a commitment to meeting rigorous project timelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Accomplishes department objectives by organizing and monitoring the work of direct reports. Responsible for recruiting, onboarding, training, developing, setting goals and priorities, monitoring performance, coaching, and managing the time of senior engineering leaders and technical staff.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Education: Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of industrial experience in Semiconductor/MEMS-based technology with a track record of progressive leadership.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong expertise in Fab Process Technology using standard equipment (CVD, PVD, Etch, Cleans, Photo-Lithography, CMP).
• Specialized Knowledge: Prior experience in Silicon Photonics, Failure Analysis, Defect Analysis, and FMEAs to enable prototyping for robust manufacturing solutions.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in project management and leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD in Engineering or Physics.
• In-depth understanding of Intellectual Property (IP) and Confidentiality protocols.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Environment: Work is performed in a temperature-controlled, open cubicle setting and within a cleanroom Fab environment.
• Physical: Constantly in a stationary position or viewing a monitor for 8+ hours.
  • Frequently walking around the Fab for prolonged periods.
  • Occasionally required to lift/push 50+ lbs (e.g., tool components).
  • Requires the ability to reach, bend, twist, and stoop to access equipment in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to wear full PPE (cleanroom suit) frequently.
• Travel: Less than 25% anticipated

Why Skorpios?

At Skorpios, you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines. 

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

Export Control / ITAR Statement: This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, protected leave status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

As a federal contractor, Skorpios Technologies, Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or [email protected]

Work Environment

Work 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 Requirements

Authorization 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 Benefits

Skorpios 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: $220,000 – $275,000 per annum, 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.