Senior Technical Director

Our client, a global leader in the semiconductor industry, seeks a strategic Director for the technical solutions team in San Jose, CA. This role leads a team, manages key customer accounts, and acts as the technical liaison between process technology and customer design teams. You will use your expertise to address complex challenges, ensure timely and successful tape-outs, and advise engineering, program management, and executive stakeholders. The position also involves working with sales and HQ to shape strategy and foster strong customer and HQ relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team and own key customer accounts, including end-to-end tape-out responsibility.
• Serve as the technical bridge between the process technology teams and customer design teams, advising engineering, program management, and executive stakeholders.
• Drive cross-functional programs and help shape segment and program strategy across FTS, Account Management, R&D, and Design Enablement.
• Partner with Account Management to protect and grow revenue while coordinating with HQ.
• Build strong customer, HQ, and team relationships; mentor the team into high-performing collaborators and resolve complex technical issues.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical/ Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years in semiconductor technology development, applications, FTS/FAE, or program management, including customer-facing roles at the senior/leadership level.
• Deep technical expertise in advanced logic and/or process technology, with the ability to hold credibility with both HQ R&D and sophisticated design customers.
• Proven leadership of teams and ownership of complex accounts or programs, with results and references that evidence strong influence.
• Willingness to travel—about 4–6 trips per year to globally plus potential domestic travel—and to coordinate daily with HQ across time zones.
• Experience bridging design, process, and manufacturing teams and aligning roadmaps across functions and geographies.
• Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and integrity, with the executive presence to influence senior stakeholders.