Head of Quality and Industrialization 100%

Lead the Transition from Development to Certified Volume Production

Join a team building next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). This role focuses on taking technology from the lab to a qualified, certified, and multi-sourced production platform. As a senior leader with at least 10 years of experience in semiconductor quality and industrialization, you will own the path from process development to qualified volume production. You will build the first quality management system, achieve ISO 9001 certification by end-2027, and industrialize TFLN processes for markets ranging from datacenter and telecom to space and defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management System & ISO 9001 Certification:
  • Design and build the first QMS, including quality strategy, process architecture, procedures, and document control, sized for a semiconductor startup.
  • Own the internal and external audit program, management review cycle, and corrective and preventive action loop.
  • Bring the company to ISO 9001 compliance by mid-2027, with certification targeted by end-2027.
• Process Industrialization & Technology Transfer:
  • Industrialize TFLN photonic processes from development to repeatable production, including NPI, process qualification, and production readiness gates.
  • Lead the qualification of the 200 mm TFLN line for production.
  • Own process FMEAs, control plans, and process change control internally and at suppliers.
  • Qualify new processes, tools, and changes, defining capability acceptance criteria (Cpk / Ppk).
  • Design the strategy for Telcordia and other qualifications required for telecom, datacenter, space, and defense markets.
• Foundry & Subcontractor Management:
  • Serve as the point of contact for external fabs, foundries, and back-end subcontractors, owning relationships across technical, operational, and quality topics.
  • Run foundry governance, including qualification, quality agreements, audits, scorecards, and supplier corrective action requests.
  • Drive foundry engineering topics end-to-end, such as scrap, delivery commitments, and split lots.
  • Identify and qualify new fabs in Asia and Europe to drive a dual-sourcing strategy.
  • Contribute to building the production strategy for next-generation manufacturing.
• Yield, Data & Statistical Process Control:
  • Lead the test and quality control strategy, defining what, how, and how much to test and analyze.
  • Own yield analysis, defect signature identification, and yield improvement roadmaps.
  • Champion SPC across the line, including control charts, process capability studies, and measurement system analysis (GR&R).
  • Turn measurement, PLM, and ERP data into quality KPIs and decisions.
• Reliability & Product Qualification:
  • Define and run the reliability and qualification strategy to Telcordia GR-468-CORE, JEDEC, and MIL-STD methods.
  • Own accelerated life and environmental testing, qualification plans, and reports.
  • Build failure analysis capability and close the loop from findings back into design and process.
• Production, Customer & Supplier Quality:
  • Own quality across the PIC production line, including incoming, in-process, and outgoing control, and the Material Review Board.
  • Serve as the quality interface to customers, managing requirements, documentation, audits, and the RMA process.
  • Lead structured problem solving using the 8D framework and drive root-cause analysis.
• Operational Excellence, Team & Continuous Improvement:
  • Embed quality and industrialization processes in systems such as Aras Innovator (PLM), Oracle NetSuite (ERP), and future MES.
  • Champion continuous improvement, running cycles on the line and leading 5S in cleanroom and production areas.
  • Build, train, and coach the team, fostering a quality mindset across engineering, production, and operations.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: A degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or a related technical field; an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) is a plus. Formal quality qualifications such as ISO 9001 lead auditor or Six Sigma Black Belt are a strong asset.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in quality and industrialization in the semiconductor industry, ideally in photonics, compound semiconductors, MEMS, or another wafer-based technology. Experience leading quality or industrialization teams, managing external fabs, and leading an organization through ISO 9001 certification is required. Experience building a quality function from scratch in a startup or scale-up environment is a strong asset.
• Technical Expertise: Deep command of the semiconductor quality and industrialization toolbox, including NPI, process qualification, FMEA, SPC, yield analysis, 8D, and CAPA. Proven experience in foundry and subcontractor management, reliability and product qualification (Telcordia, JEDEC, MIL-STD), and customer quality handling. Comfortable working in PLM, ERP, and MES systems. Exposure to telecom, datacenter, automotive, space, or defense quality requirements is a plus.
• Mindset: A senior leader who is hands-on, credible with foundries and auditors, and willing to write work instructions or stand at the tool. Able to introduce discipline without slowing the company, making quality a desired outcome rather than an imposed burden. A clear communicator, coach, and team builder.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. German, French, or Chinese is a plus.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to build the quality and industrialization foundation of a company producing cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits for next-generation AI data centers.
• The chance to take the TFLN platform from development to a qualified, certified, and dual-sourced production line.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP).
• Continuous learning support through courses, certifications, conferences, and trade shows.
• The role of a key player in an early-phase, impact-driven team, with the chance to grow professional skills at a fast pace.