Director, Manufacturing Engineering

About Veeco
You probably don’t realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world’s collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. 
 

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world’s leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
 

We’re looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.

Overview

Veeco is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead our manufacturing engineering organization in San Jose, CA. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this role is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting new product introductions, and leading cross-functional initiatives that enhance manufacturability, cost efficiency, and quality.

This position will lead a 35-person organization, including direct reports and three subordinate managers who oversee functional teams.

This is a highly visible leadership role that requires a hands-on, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of manufacturing, process, and project engineers, as well as technical writers, to meet business goals and operational targets.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to direct reports and emerging leaders.
• Co-develop strategic plans and lead execution of large-scale manufacturing initiatives.
• Oversee planning and execution of manufacturing programs, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, performance, and quality objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with Supply Chain to develop and execute cost-reduction strategies and achieve product cost targets.
• Drive new product introduction (NPI) readiness through the product lifecycle phase-gate process.
• Champion lean manufacturing, automated test methods, and other efficiency-enhancing tools.
• Institutionalize a culture of continuous improvement using lean principles.
• Build organizational capability through succession planning, mentoring, and performance management.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in high-mix, low-volume, complex capital equipment manufacturing is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities. Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and cost control initiatives are required. Experience with global supply chains and contract manufacturing is highly desirable. Candidates should possess a deep understanding of manufacturability, quality systems, and lean manufacturing tools, as well as strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. A track record of building high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation is highly valued.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Large scale (>$1 million ASP), complex (>1000 line BOM), high mix, low volume semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ownership and strong accountability mindset required.
• Experience developing proposals and managing program execution with a demonstrated ability to create, track and meet schedules.
• Working knowledge of financial management including projects, process control, and budgets.
• Experience in Manufacturing and/or Project Management.
• Global supply chain and contract manufacturing experience is highly preferred.
• Practical mindset relative to manufacturability operations and business processes.
• Process-oriented, data-driven mindset for decision-making and driving quality into the product, whether manufactured in-house or through contract manufacturing partners and suppliers.
• The individual should be a dynamic leader who will possess the essential characteristics of a “can-do” attitude, integrity, competitiveness, accountability, creativity, and teamwork.
• Must have demonstrated the ability to build and develop a high-performing team through assessment, recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and developing others.
• Willingness and history of challenging the status quo.
• Experience managing and leading manufacturing change initiatives is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Techniques like Lean, Value Stream Mapping, Six Sigma, 8D.

Salary and Benefits
The expected salary range for this position is $182,957.00 — $271,048.00, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.

Other benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Commuter Benefits
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Identity Theft Remediation
• Emergency Travel Assistance

Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.