Manager, DRAM Product Planning

Samsung Electronics America; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Medical/Dental/Vision

Paid time off

Job summary

Samsung Electronics America is seeking a DRAM Product Planning Manager to drive customer adoption and secure Samsung’s position as the lead DRAM supplier across diverse applications. You will bridge customers with internal engineering and business teams, managing from design-in to qualification at the San Jose headquarters.

This role demands strategic thinking, strong memory architecture knowledge, and the ability to align roadmaps with customer needs while coordinating across Sales, R&D, and

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of DRAM design and memory architecture.
• Experience with system-level operations (RAS, Memory Controller, PHY).
• Background in SI/PI (Signal/Power Integrity) and timing measurements.
• Familiarity with fab processes and advanced packaging.
• Understanding of 2.5D/3D integration (TSV, micro-bumping).
• Proven track record in customer-facing roles (Applications/Design/Validation).
• Willingness to travel based on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead deep technical engagements with customer engineering teams to position Samsung's DRAM solutions as the preferred choice.
• Facilitate collaborative debugging and troubleshooting during evaluation, qualification, and mass production.
• Co-develop joint specifications and interfaces with customer architects for mutual advantage.
• Govern a structured co-development framework aligning hardware roadmaps with memory technology.
• Manage end-to-end project execution from design-in to mass production.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation to meet aggressive schedules.

Skills

DRAM design

Memory architecture

System-level ops

SI/PI

2.5D/3D integration

Customer-facing

Roadmap alignment

Cross-functional leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/CS/Physical Science

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

To provide the best candidate experience amidst our high application volumes, each candidate is limited to 10 applications across all open jobs within a 6-month period.

Advancing the World’s Technology Together

Our technology solutions power the tools you use every day--including smartphones, electric vehicles, hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and so much more. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to be part of a global leader whose innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and powering the future.

We believe innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We’re dedicated to empowering people to be their true selves. Together, we’re building a better tomorrow for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.

What You’ll Do

Samsung Semiconductor is seeking a highly motivated, strategic DRAM Product Planning Manager to drive customer adoption and secure Samsung’s position as the lead supplier for DRAM-based memory solutions across a diverse range of applications. In this role, you will act as the vital bridge between top-tier customers and our internal engineering and business teams, managing the entire lifecycle from initial design-in to final qualification.

Location: Daily onsite presence at our San Jose headquarters in alignment with our Flexible Work policy.plus an average of <10% of domestic and international travel.

Technical Engagement & Engineering Collaboration

• Drive Lead Supplier Status: Lead deep technical engagements with customer engineering teams to position Samsung's DRAM solutions as the primary choice for next-generation platforms.
• Hands‑on Problem Solving: Facilitate collaborative engineering debugging and troubleshooting to resolve complex technical hurdles during evaluation, qualification, and mass production.
• Application‑Specific Optimization: Analyze diverse customer system architectures to proactively propose optimized, cutting‑edge memory solutions.

Co‑Development Process Innovation

• Align Product Roadmaps: Establish and govern a structured co‑development framework that syncs the customer’s hardware roadmaps with Samsung’s memory technology pipeline.
• Define Joint Specifications: Collaborate closely with customer architects to co‑define product specifications, interfaces, and feature sets that yield mutual competitive advantages.
• Feedback Loop Management: Channel critical customer architectural insights back to internal R&D and product planning teams to influence the next generation of memory products.

Business Model Development & Monetization Strategy

• Value‑Value Business Modeling: Design and implement innovative business models that move beyond commodity selling, focusing on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction and value‑added memory features.
• Market‑Specific Strategies: Formulate customized commercial and supply structures tailored to the unique dynamics of diverse application segments (e.g., Automotive, Server, Mobile, AI/HPC).
• Strategic Partnerships: Convert technical leadership into long‑term commercial value, securing multi‑year agreements and deep‑rooted strategic alliances.

End‑to‑End Project Management

• Cross‑Functional Orchestration: Serve as the central program manager aligning multiple internal stakeholders—including Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Quality Assurance—with the customer’s milestones.
• Milestone Execution: Manage the entire execution pipeline from design‑in, validation, and qualification (Qual) through to seamless mass production transition.
• Risk & Timeline Management: Proactively identify project risks, execute mitigation strategies, and guarantee time‑to‑market delivery according to aggressive customer schedules.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related Physical Science with 10+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 8+ Years of Industry Experience or PhD with 5+ years of Industry Experience.
• Memory & System Expertise: Strong understanding of DRAM design/architecture, system‑level operations (RAS, Memory Controller, memory PHY), and product support.
• Hardware Analysis: Background in SI/PI (Signal/Power Integrity) and timing measurements.
• Semiconductor Fundamentals: Familiarity with fab processes, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced packaging.
• Deep understanding of 2.5D/3D integration (TSV, Micro‑bumping, and Hybrid Bonding).
• Customer & Leadership Track Record: Proven experience in customer‑facing technical roles (Applications, Design, Validation, or Dev) leading enablement and debugging.
• Mobility: Flexibility to travel based on project and customer needs.
• Experience defining architecture and specifications for next‑generation Custom HBM (HBM4+).
• Ability to plan active logic base‑dies that integrate core IP (Memory Controller, advanced RAS, and processing elements).
• Proven track record collaborating with foundries (e.g., TSMC/Samsung Foundry/Intel Foundry advanced nodes) and design houses for custom silicon development.
• Experience defining customized interfaces (e.g., Die‑to‑Die PHY) for bespoke customer architectures (e.g., Hyperscaler XPUs, high‑end GPUs).
• Analytical skills to evaluate system‑level PPA (Power‑Performance‑Area) benefits and customer TCO optimization.
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.

What We Offer

The pay range below is for all roles at this level across all US locations and functions. Pay within this range varies by work location and may also depend on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

This is in addition to our diverse package of benefits centered around the wellbeing of our employees and their loved ones. In addition to the usual Medical/Dental/Vision/401k, our inclusive rewards plan empowers our people to care for their whole selves. An investment in your future is an investment in ours.

• Give Back With a charitable giving match and frequent opportunities to get involved, we take an active role in supporting the community.
• Enjoy Time Away You’ll start with 4+ weeks of paid time off a year, plus holidays and sick leave, to rest and recharge.
• Care for Family Whatever family means to you, we want to support you along the way—including a stipend for fertility care or adoption, caregiver support, and medical travel support.
• Prioritize Emotional Wellness With on‑demand apps and free confidential therapy sessions, you’ll have support no matter where you are.
• Stay Fit Eating well and being active are important parts of a healthy life. Our onsite Café and gym, plus virtual classes, make it easier.
• Embrace Flexibility Benefits are best when you have the space to use them. That’s why we facilitate a flexible environment so you can find the right balance for you.

Base Pay Range

$163,000 - $253,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Samsung Semiconductor takes pride in being an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to excel, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status.

When selecting team members, we prioritize talent and qualities such as humility, kindness, and dedication. We extend comprehensive accommodations throughout our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long‑term conditions, neurodivergent individuals, or those requiring pregnancy‑related support. All candidates scheduled for an interview will receive guidance on requesting accommodations.

Our Commitment to Innovation and Fairness

At Samsung Semiconductor, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the recruitment process to enhance efficiency. However, AI is used as a support tool, not a final decision‑maker. All hiring decisions are made by our human recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure every candidate is evaluated fairly and holistically.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes

Only authorized recruitment agencies that have a current and valid agreement with Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. are permitted to submit resumes for any job openings.

By submitting an application, you agree not to disclose to Samsung—or encourage Samsung to use—any confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets) belonging to a current or former employer or other entity.

Applicant Privacy Policy

https://semiconductor.samsung.com/about-us/careers/us/privacy/

Voluntary Self‑Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Samsung Semiconductor’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three‑year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an armed forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

The application deadline for this role is January 31, 2027