Senior Director of Epitaxy

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at [email protected] or 18667535273

Job Description

The Senior Director of Epitaxy leads the organization responsible for the manufacturing and engineering involved with the epitaxial deposition on GaN substrates. This role manages both the existing Goleta epitaxial operation as well as the emerging Fremont epitaxial team. The purpose is to lead direct reports, while also directly driving complex projects requiring in depth advanced technical expertise. 

• Collaboration with Advanced Development to improve epitaxial technologies and implement solutions that meet product performance, yield, and cost targets. 
• Capacity planning and reactor allocation between Operations and Advanced Development. 
• Budget setting and budget management
• Provide leadership and experience, work directly with staff on development and execution of engineering projects, meeting timelines and objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and hands on support for complex engineering and execution challenges
•  Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high performing epitaxial engineering and management staff. 
• Mentor borderline performers and transition them into high contributors
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cost reduction, capacity increase, cycle time reduction, and product performance while contributing to the solutions.
• Manage interaction and communication with the substrate vendors by providing forecasts, cost targets and specifications.
• Be accountable for the production planning, the execution of the plan, and meeting established timelines. 
• Actively contributes to problem solving and solution development

Demonstrate Experience and Leadership Skilled Consistent with Sr Level Director Role. 

• Direct efforts for both production and engineering/ development initiatives
• Develop and implement organizational policies
• Identify and execute solutions to problems; take ownership for resolution withing the organization
• Develop the ability to assess the situation, take perspective and take quick deliberate action
• Develop the ability to defend decisions without creating conflict; focus and act on what you can control and influence.
• Become a senior team member through working to resolve common issues without creating friction points and “position “strongly contribute to the culture that KSLD inspires to establish; Collaborate effectively by building high trust relationships. 
• Seek first to understand than to be understood; Gain awareness of communication style and the perceived impact by peers, subordinates and superiors when unsure remain curious, ask questions, don’t assume.
• Develop subordinates capable of managing their areas and acting independently, be supportive without being critical.  
• Engage to gain in depth knowledge of other functional areas, business strategies and the company’s goals and objectives.

Experience and Skills

• MS or PhD in electrical engineering, materials science, applied physics, or other relevant fields 
• 15+ years of industry experience in field IIIV semiconductor devices, GaN experience preferred
• 810 years of engineering management experience preferred 
• Solid understanding of epi wafer manufacturing; ability to recommend and implement improvements
• Solid technical background in the field of physics, optics, electronics, and/or materials science 
• Fluency in statistical data analysis, DOE and SPC elements desired
• Strong background and track record for teamwork and team building
• Strong project management, communication and presentation skills 
• Self motivated and driven personality

The fulltime base salary range for the position Senior Director of Epitaxy Operations is $227,500 to $260,000 per annum.  The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter. 

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Because of export-control requirements, applicants must qualify as a “U.S. Person” as defined by the United States Export Control Regulations.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.