Global Thermal Systems Director

Global Thermal Systems Director

Advantest is looking for a key technologist to lead next generation thermal systems for semiconductor test. Advantest has an exciting line of high-performance test systems that support the semiconductor industry around the world. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned technical leader with a diverse skill set, expert in system design, to work within several engineering disciplines and cross geographical teams spanning the USA, Japan, and Germany.

This individual will lead a wide range of complex thermal/mechanical engineering functions related to the architecture, design, testing, and evaluation of thermal systems for testing electronic systems including semiconductors, photonics and embedded devices. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies and testing on new and modified designs and developing engineering prototypes. This individual will partner with product development teams including wafer sort/probe, final package test, system level test and burn in test teams located across different geographies and may provide direction and training to subordinate and peer staff members in area of technical expertise. This role will require heavy travel, as you will be managing an internally dispersed team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead cross functional & cross geographical team developing high power thermal solutions for server, AI and future high power test spanning >2KW semiconductor devices and modules.

• Analyze customer requirements.

• Identify risk areas and optimization opportunities.

• Drive definition of thermal technology roadmap.

• Architect, develop, and implement Thermal and Mechanical engineering designs for new systems and components.

• Present designs during Customer Design Reviews.

• Develop test specifications and evaluation protocols and initiates engineering change order requests.

• Interpret functional test results and present findings to senior technical staff.

• Perform integration testing and qualifications.

• Develop relationships with a core set of thermal technology ecosystem partners to support thermal technology roadmap.

• Work as part of a team that includes manufacturing, quality assurance, and technical support organizations to establish functional specifications for components and to select vendors/suppliers for purchased parts, materials, and assemblies.

• Provide guidance to subordinate and peer staff members in area of technical expertise.

• Recommend and design innovations and improved methods, tools, and processes.

• Participate in the preparation of patent applications and memos of invention for trade secrets.

• Act as customer contact on selective technical matters.

• Perform hands-on evaluation of prototype system build/sub-assembly build /thorough product performance assessment.

• Core execution of system design and deployment of solutions.

• Work closely with external Technology partners on projects and successfully accomplishes common product design/ production goals.

• May be assigned responsibility for independent mechanical design projects.

• All other duties and tasks that may be required.

Requirements, Education & Skills:

• Requires a BS in Mechanical/Thermal/Physics.

• Ideal candidates have 10 - 20+ years of experience, preferably in a high-technology environment.

• Heavy system design experience and deployment of solutions are a must.

• Expertise with conducted and convection based Thermal systems is needed.

• Experience in Flowtherm or IcePak or alternate thermal simulation methodologies is a must.

• Knowledge of Thermal Dynamics, CFD and Mathematical Models will be needed for thermal analysis.

• Experience in electronic packaging, testing, and integrating thermal systems into automated handling

• Experience working in cross-functional teams that build complex test systems comprised of motion control hardware, electrical and software components is a plus.

• Expertise with burn in ovens and active thermal control solutions for automotive grade or military grade devices is a plus.

• Experience in working with peltiers, heatsinks, sockets, two phase cooling, cryogenics, system design for condensation abatement, airflow uniformity are desired.

• Experience with ceramic or cartridge heaters, vacuum chambers for heat transfer, diamond substrates is a plus.

• Experience in architecting and implementing semiconductor electronics capital equipment is a plus.

• Ability to travel frequently is required, both domestically and internationally.

• Proven leadership and management of multinational teams, preferably USA, Japan, and Europe.

• Must have strong analysis & synthesis capabilities.

• This is an on-site role in our Lake Forest, CA office.