Senior R&D Program Leader

PLATFORM&CO PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology innovator in Singapore is seeking a Senior R&D Program Leader. The successful candidate will lead complex engineering programs, integrating technical functions and managing the product lifecycle. This role demands strong communication and strategic program execution skills. Ideal candidates have over 10 years in R&D within the semiconductor industry. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in R&D, Systems Engineering, or Technical Program Management.
• Track record of delivering complex electro-mechanical-optical systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment.

Responsibilities

• Integrate work of hardware, software, optics, and physics development teams.
• Drive the entire New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Develop and manage the master program plan.
• Communicate technical concepts to various stakeholders.
• Ensure subsystems and components meet product requirements.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field

MS/PhD degree

Job description

About Our Client:

Our client is a global technology innovator known for solving some of the hardest challenges in high-precision imaging and photonics. The company’s R&D teams design and build sophisticated optical and inspection platforms that define the performance standards of the semiconductor industry and beyond. This role is with a key division focused on precision inspection and metrology technologies, critical to the advancement of the global tech ecosystem.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a seasoned Senior R&D Program Leader to spearhead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs from concept through to production release. This is a high-impact role that sits at the nexus of R&D, engineering, and business execution. You will be the central leader responsible for orchestrating all technical functions to deliver groundbreaking products on schedule and within scope. This role is less about administrative project management and more about deep technical leadership and strategic execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership & Orchestration: Act as the central technical nexus, integrating the work of hardware, software, optics, and physics development teams to create a cohesive and high-performing system.
• Full Product Lifecycle Management: Drive the entire New Product Introduction (NPI) process, from initial feasibility studies and architectural design through detailed engineering, integration, testing, and successful ramp to high-volume manufacturing.
• Strategic Program Execution: Develop and manage the master program plan, identifying critical paths, managing risks and dependencies, and making strategic trade-off decisions to balance performance, schedule, and cost.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, technical challenges, and escalation management. Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to executive leadership, marketing, applications, and global customer support teams.
• System Engineering Oversight: Champion robust systems engineering practices, ensuring that all subsystems and components meet the overall product requirements and performance specifications.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• You are a technical leader who can dive deep into engineering discussions on optics, electron beams, motion control, or software architecture.
• You thrive in complex, ambiguous environments and can create clarity, structure, and momentum for your teams.
• You are a master communicator and influencer, able to align cross-functional teams and manage senior stakeholder expectations.
• You have a proven track record of delivering sophisticated electro-mechanical-optical systems or capital equipment, not just software or sub-components.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree (MS, PhD) is a strong plus.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in R&D, Systems Engineering, or Technical Program Management within the semiconductor capital equipment industry or a closely related field (e.g., photonics, scientific instrumentation).
• Demonstrated experience leading the full development lifecycle of a complex system, with a strong understanding of phase-gate processes and design for manufacturability.
• Exceptional technical presentation and written communication skills.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in this role, we welcome your application by hitting Apply Now with your updated CV in word format.

Only shortlisted candidates will be responded to, therefore if you do not receive a response within 14 days please accept this as notification that you have not been shortlisted.