Director, IT PLM

Altera is accelerating innovation in programmable logic solutions that power AI, communications, cloud, aerospace, defense, industrial, and automotive applications. As a newly independent company, Altera offers the opportunity to shape foundational systems and processes that enable the next generation of semiconductor products.

Position Overview

Altera is seeking a Director, IT – PLM & Engineering Systems to lead the strategy, roadmap, implementation, and support of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Engineering Change Management, Product Data Management, Quality Systems, and related engineering applications across the enterprise.

This leader will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Operations, and executive stakeholders to establish an integrated digital thread supporting the complete semiconductor product lifecycle, from concept through manufacturing and sustaining engineering.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in PLM, SAP S/4HANA, Engineering Change Management, NPI, Quality Systems, and enterprise transformations within semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing organizations.

Key Responsibilities

PLM Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute Altera's multi-year PLM and Engineering Systems roadmap.
• Lead global teams responsible for PLM, Product Data Management, Engineering Applications, Quality Systems, and Engineering Change processes.
• Establish governance for product structures, BOM management, product releases, document control, and engineering data management.
• Develop and manage budgets, staffing plans, vendor relationships, and strategic technology investments.

Engineering Change & Product Data Management

• Drive enterprise Engineering Change Management (ECM), Engineering Change Orders (ECO), Engineering Change Notices (ECN), and Product Change Notification (PCN) capabilities.
• Establish metrics and analytics that improve engineering cycle times, release quality, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure enterprise-wide governance of product master data, BOMs, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Support product traceability and compliance across the product lifecycle.

Engineering Systems & Digital Thread

• Lead architecture and integration of PLM solutions with ERP, Manufacturing, Quality, Reliability, and Supply Chain systems.
• Develop an end-to-end digital thread connecting product development, manufacturing, and sustaining operations.
• Drive integration strategies across SAP S/4HANA, Quality Management Systems, Reliability platforms, and Document Management solutions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), phase-gate processes, and product release governance.

Digital Transformation & AI

• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation to improve engineering productivity and business processes.
• Lead modernization initiatives that enhance workflow automation, analytics, and decision-making capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering and operational processes.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality leadership.
• Lead large-scale transformation initiatives supporting business growth, operational scalability, and process standardization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on engineering systems strategy.

The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance. 

$187.0K - $250.0K USD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience leading PLM, Engineering Systems, Enterprise Applications, or Digital Transformation functions.
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing global teams and large-scale enterprise programs.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Engineering Change Management (ECM) Product Data Management (PDM) Document Management Quality Management Systems (QMS) New Product Introduction (NPI) Master Data Governance
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP PLM and SAP S/4HANA environments.
• Experience supporting semiconductor product development and manufacturing operations.
• Experience implementing and supporting: Engineering Change Notification (ECN) Enterprise Product Change Notification (ePCN) Reliability Management Systems (eRMS) Quality Management platforms Digital Thread initiatives
• Experience integrating acquired companies, systems, and business processes.
• Experience developing AI adoption strategies and enterprise automation initiatives.
• MBA or Master's degree preferred.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic technology leadership
• Strong executive presence and stakeholder management
• Ability to influence across engineering and operations organizations
• Proven record building and developing high-performing teams
• Data-driven decision making
• Change leadership and business transformation expertise

Why This Role Matters

This role will be responsible for shaping the digital foundation that enables Altera's semiconductor product lifecycle, ensuring efficient product development, engineering collaboration, manufacturing readiness, quality compliance, and scalability as Altera continues to grow as an independent company.