Manufacturing Senior Manager

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location — employees join together to improve the world. 

Explore what’s possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning “science fiction” into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the future. SkyWater’s values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees — and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds. 

Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!

The Thin Films and CMP Engineering Manager leads Thins/CMP operations in a 200 mm high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas. This role is directly accountable for delivering measurable results in process stability, cost reduction, tool productivity, and continuous yield improvement across mature technology nodes. The ideal candidate will balance strong technical expertise with the operational leadership required to support New Product Development (NPD) and maintain reliable, high-throughput manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable a team of ThinFilms/CMP engineers supporting 24/7 fab operations and development.
• Support New Product Development (NPD) by partnering with design and integration teams to develop and stabilize new lithography layers and processes.
• Own and drive results for lithography processes on mature nodes, ensuring high uptime, repeatability, and yield performance against strict production KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect density reduction, overlay control, and CD uniformity.
• Utilize structured problem-solving to contain and address process issues, ensuring timely resolution and sustained results.
• Oversee process control systems, including SPC, FDC, and other control strategies.
• Maintain and improve process documentation, recipes, and control plans.
• Support technology transfers, customer qualifications, and process improvements, taking ownership of project timelines and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 8+ years of semiconductor manufacturing experience, preferably in 150 mm/200 mm fabs.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a production environment with a proven track record of performance management.
• Strong background in Thin Films and CMP for mature technology nodes.
• Expertise with Thin Films and CMP processes, metrology, and control.
• Experience with SPC, DOE, FMEA, and yield improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive accountability in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong focus on operational excellence, tool utilization, and cycle time reduction.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing production demands while maintaining a results-oriented focus.
• Effective cross-functional communication with manufacturing, integration, and maintenance teams.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on measurable yield, cost, and throughput.
• 8D and structured problem-solving mentality.

SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer a competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well as other employee financial benefits, including a 401 (k) match and life insurance. 

Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site cafeteria, fitness facility, and self-serve market. 

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or [email protected]. 

EOE, including disability/vets   

We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at [email protected] before responding.