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

ZEISS Group; Dresden; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

ZEISS Group is seeking a proactive innovation architect to identify market and technology trends in semiconductors and translate them into business opportunities. You will own the innovation funnel, screen disruptive technologies, and steer PoC projects while engaging with Silicon Saxony partners and academia.

The role requires senior level experience, strong analytical thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset to shape ZEISS Technology Strategy and collaborate with internal teams and external

Qualifications

• Master or PhD in Physics, Engineering or Materials Science.
• 5+ years in Innovation management, R&D or technology strategy.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor technologies and value chains.
• Ability to translate technology trends into business impact.

Responsabilités

• Identify and evaluate market- and technology-relevant trends in semiconductors.
• Own and manage the innovation and project funnel for new opportunities.
• Screen and validate disruptive technologies; initiate PoC projects.
• Represent ZEISS within the Silicon Saxony ecosystem and build partnerships.

Connaissances

Innovation Mgmt

R&D

Tech Strategy

Semiconductor

Analytical Thinking

Stakeholder Mgmt

Ownership

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Formation

Master/PhD Physics

Engineering

Materials Science

Description du poste

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people.

In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.

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 Role

• Identify 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.

Profil

• University degree (Master/PhD) in: - Physics, engineering, materials science or comparable fields

• 5+ years of experience in: - Innovation management, R&D, or technology strategy - Semiconductor or related deep-tech domains

• Strong understanding of semiconductor technologies and value chains

• Ability to translate technology trends into business impact

• Experience in managing early-stage innovation projects

• Strong analytical and structured thinking

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• High degree of initiative and ownership

• Entrepreneurial mindset and affinity for uncertainty and exploratory work

Important note

Please be advised that a valid work permit for Germany is required for non-EU citizens. Unfortunately, applications without a valid work permit and sufficient German language skills may not be considered.

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