Fab Automation Manager: Lead, Scale Semiconductor Automation

Applied-Optoelectronics-Inc; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k) employer matching

Unused PTO payout at year end

Relocation package available within US

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

Applied-Optoelectronics-Inc in Sugar Land, TX, is seeking a senior leader to manage the Fab Automation section. You will guide automation engineers, design and deploy SECS/GEM interfaces, and drive improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.

You will oversee dashboards, coordinate with vendors and production lines, and lead Lean initiatives to boost productivity while maintaining strict cleanroom practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (Masters/PhD preferred).
• 5+ years in semiconductor automation with supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills to derive strategies from data.
• Knowledge of MES, ERP, and SECS/GEM interfaces preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with SQL and programming languages (Python, C#, or similar).
• LabVIEW, PLC, or industrial control programming experience is a plus.
• Experience in a semiconductor manufacturing and cleanroom environment is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across management levels.
• Ability to lead a team of section managers and engineers in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead a section of Fab Automation managers and engineers, assigning work and building capability.
• Collaborate with vendors and production teams to deliver automation solutions meeting goals.
• Maintain dashboards showing equipment automation health and project status.
• Drive projects to increase productivity, reduce lead time, and cut costs.
• Identify automation capabilities and coordinate with production control.
• Design and sustain SECS/GEM, recipe, interlock, and data interfaces.
• Improve labor productivity via Lean and best-known methods in automation.
• Support acceptance, buy-off, spare strategy, and restocking for automation hardware/software.
• Provide training to engineers, technicians, and operators of automation tools.
• Coordinate tasks to meet deadlines and handle other supervisor-assigned tasks.
• Work extended hours in a cleanroom environment (full body coverings).
• Coordinate with groups to complete tasks on time.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Cleanroom readiness

MS Office

Inventory and dashboard management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

SQL

Python

C#

SECS/GEM

LabVIEW

PLC programming

Job description

Applied-Optoelectronics-Inc in Sugar Land, TX, is seeking a senior leader to manage the Fab Automation section. You will guide automation engineers, design and deploy SECS/GEM interfaces, and drive improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.

You will oversee dashboards, coordinate with vendors and production lines, and lead Lean initiatives to boost productivity while maintaining strict cleanroom practices.