Foundry Project Optimization Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), founded in 2010, is an agile small business dedicated to supporting Federal Government and national security objectives. Headquartered in McLean, VA with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001, and ISO/IEC 20000-1 certifications, and is appraised at CMMI® Maturity Level 3 for services and supplier management. We specialize in large and complex projects and offer a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement.

Work environment: This role supports a Federal R&D cleanroom/fab setting, Defense Microelectronics Activty (DMEA) and is customer-facing, requiring adherence to facility policies, cleanroom protocols, and safety standards.

Position Title: Foundry Project Optimization Specialist

Position Location: Sacramento, CA (possibility of remote)

Position type: Regular Full Time

Years of experience: 10+

Security Clearance: Secret or ability to obtain – SECRET

US Citizenship Required: Yes

Classification: Exempt

Telecommute: Telework may be possible for this position.

Role Summary

Blackwatch is seeking a Foundry Project Optimization Specialist to enhance program execution, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation for semiconductor fabrication initiatives for the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA). This role provides focused support to the Program Manager by coordinating closely with tool vendors, semiconductor technical personnel, and key stakeholders to optimize installation, facilitization, and qualification activities. The specialist will help minimize idle time and ensure schedule alignment by proactively managing vendor relationships and aligning timelines. Additionally, this role will drive process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and budget management strategies, embedding industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies to maximize productivity and efficiency while maintaining financial integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with tool vendors and technical teams to ensure smooth equipment installation and facility readiness.
• Develop and maintain project schedules to align installation and qualification activities with program milestones.
• Monitor facility readiness and resource allocation to minimize idle time and optimize workflow.
• Drive process improvement initiatives across operations, applying industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage project budgets and financial processes to ensure cost realism, track expenditures, and align with funding requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk of overruns.
• Provide real-time oversight of vendor performance and project execution to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues quickly and maintain alignment with overall program objectives.
• Support achievement of program milestones through proactive planning, risk mitigation, and optimization strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing and laboratory environments, equipment installation, or project coordination.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes, facility readiness, and financial management principles.
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation effectively.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• U.S. Citizenship and active or ability to obtain Secret clearance (firm requirement).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor tool installation and qualification processes.
• Background in program optimization, risk management, and cost control methodologies.
• Familiarity with Federal R&D environments and compliance requirements.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent experience.

Work Model & Benefits

* On-site role at McClellan Park / Sacramento, CA; standard day shift; relocation assistance available; no regular travel, with possibility of remote work and some regular travel.

* Competitive benefits package (details available upon request).

Equal Opportunity Employer

Blackwatch International Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. Blackwatch participates in E-Verify.