Senior Innovation Manager Semicon Ecosystem (m/f/x)

ZEISS Group; Dresden; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group is seeking a proactive strategic enabler to translate emerging semiconductor technologies into innovation opportunities, projects, and business cases. You will bridge external innovation ecosystems with ZEISS strategy, actively engaging the Silicon Saxony community and collaborating with stakeholders.

The role involves owning the innovation funnel, screening disruptive technologies, and initiating PoC projects while aligning external insights with internal priorities.

Qualifications

• Master/PhD in physics, engineering, or materials science required.
• 5+ years in innovation management, R&D, or technology strategy.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor technologies and value chains.
• Proven ability to lead early-stage innovation projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate market- and technology-relevant trends in semiconductors.
• Own and manage the innovation and project funnel for new opportunities arising from the Silicon Saxony ecosystem.
• Screen and validate disruptive technologies; drive technology validation/PoC projects.
• Represent ZEISS within the Silicon Saxony ecosystem; build relationships with semiconductor companies, startups, and research initiatives.
• Monitor ecosystem developments and derive strategic implications for ZEISS; engage with TU Dresden, Fraunhofer, Leibniz institutes.

Skills

Innovation management

R&D

Technology strategy

Semiconductor knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Master's or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or Materials Science

Job description

ZEISS is seeking a proactive, strategic enabler who identifies and translates emerging semiconductor technologies into innovation opportunities, projects, and business cases. You will bridge external innovation ecosystems with ZEISS internal strategy and development, actively engaging the Silicon Saxony community and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.Your RoleIdentify and evaluate market- and technology-relevant trends in semiconductors (e.g., Lithography & chiplet technologies, advanced packaging, integrated photonics, inspection & metrology, 2D materials).Own and manage the innovation and project funnel for new opportunities arising from the Silicon Saxony ecosystem.Screen and validate disruptive technologies; initiate and steer technology validation / PoC projects.Provide structured recommendations for follow-up activities.Represent ZEISS within the Silicon Saxony ecosystem; build and maintain relationships with semiconductor companies, startups, and research initiatives.Monitor ecosystem developments and derive strategic implications for ZEISS.Establish and manage partnerships with TU Dresden, Fraunhofer, Leibniz institutes, etc.Initiate and supervise joint research, thesis projects, and collaborative innovation formats; enable access to academic talent pipelines.Contribute to ZEISS Technology Strategy and SMT Technology Roadmap.Ensure alignment between external insights and internal priorities and capabilities; participate in governance formats (radar, roadmap processes).Support SteerCo processes: project prioritization, action planning, and reporting of scouting activities; coordinate follow-up actions.Your ProfileUniversity degree (Master/PhD) in: - Physics, engineering, materials science or comparable fields5+ years of experience in: - Innovation management, R&D, or technology strategy - Semiconductor or related deep-tech domainsStrong understanding of semiconductor technologies and value chainsAbility to translate technology trends into business impactExperience in managing early-stage innovation projectsStrong analytical and structured thinkingExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsHigh degree of initiative and ownershipEntrepreneurial mindset and affinity for uncertainty and exploratory workYour ZEISS Recruiting Team:Friederike Kirklar-Harms