Vice President Production

EEMCO is an advanced-materials company focused on the industrialization and manufacture of silicon carbide (SiC) single crystals for semiconductor applications.
We are seeking a hands‑on Head of Operations to lead manufacturing readiness, site and equipment deployment, process industrialization, and the scale‑up from validation to pilot production and high‑volume manufacturing.
Purpose of the role: Develop and maintain robust manufacturing capabilities—including equipment, processes, infrastructure, organization, and production systems—and ensure safe, compliant, cost‑effective, and scalable operations.

TASKS

• Planning and leading site preparation activities for process qualification, pilot production, and subsequent production ramp-up.
• Overseeing the installation, commissioning, qualification, maintenance, and continuous improvement of production equipment and infrastructure.
• Planning and managing crystal growth operations, including production scheduling, workforce allocation, material flow, capacity management, and operational priorities.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining manufacturing SOPs, work instructions, process specifications, control plans, and production records.
• Leading the industrialization of SiC crystal growth processes from pilot phase through qualification and validation to high-volume manufacturing.
• Ensuring stable and repeatable processes that achieve targets for crystal quality, production volume, yield, throughput, cost, and on‑time delivery.
• Driving continuous improvement through statistical process control, design of experiments, root‑cause analysis, defect reduction, yield optimization, and process robustness initiatives.
• Leading EEMCO’s contribution to the design of wafer manufacturing lines, including facility layout, capacity planning, operating cost analysis, supplier and partner selection, and factory development.
• Establishing operational controls, performance metrics, shift structures, staffing models, maintenance systems, escalation procedures, and data‑driven daily management routines.
• Ensuring that manufacturing and process documentation complies with applicable ISO standards and internal quality requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and EHS standards, including permitting processes, coordination with regulatory authorities, risk assessments, and the integration of safety and environmental requirements into process and equipment design.
• Leading cross‑functional collaboration and technology transfer between R&D, Operations, Equipment Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and external partners.
• Identifying and mitigating operational and process risks that may impact safety, quality, yield, cost, throughput, or project timelines.
• Recruiting, coaching, developing, and deploying process engineers and production operators in accordance with the approved organizational structure and ramp‑up plan.

PROFILE

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; specialization in semiconductors or crystal growth is preferred.
• Typically 8‑10+ years of relevant professional experience in the semiconductor, advanced materials, or high‑temperature manufacturing industries, ideally including SiC or comparable crystal growth technologies.
• Proven leadership experience in an industrial environment, including the management of engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Demonstrated success in process development, equipment commissioning, qualification, production ramp‑up, process stabilization, and yield improvement.
• Hands‑on experience with crystal growth or other high‑temperature processes in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with ISO‑compliant manufacturing systems, validation, documentation, EHS requirements, and cross‑functional international teams.
• Excellent German and English communication skills.

BENEFITS

• Work from home and a 4‑day workweek (depending on the position)
• We are closed on December 24 and 31
• Company physician
• Fitness options (gym, exercise classes, squash court, massage)
• Company cafeteria
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Free parking, electric vehicle charging stations, company bicycles, and easy access via public transportation
• Childcare during summer break

BENEFITS

• Work from home and a 4‑day workweek (depending on the position)
• We are closed on December 24 and 31
• Company physician
• Fitness options (gym, exercise classes, squash court, massage)
• Company cafeteria
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Free parking, electric