Senior Director, Product Unit - Surface Modification

For over 55 years ASM has been ahead of what’s next, at the forefront of innovation and what’s technologically possible. With more than 4,500 ASMers representing 70 nationalities, our people and our advanced semiconductor devices are playing a crucial role in trends such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and autonomous driving.  But we’re more than just a tech company. We value diversity, inclusion and sustainability as we strive to make a positive impact on the world. Our development programs help support your growth, shaping your future and pushing the boundaries of innovation to unleash potential.

Position Overview

As the Senior Director of Surface Modification, you will lead and evolve a strategic business and technology vertical within ASM. This role is accountable for advancing Surface Modification capabilities—including pre-clean, post-treatment, and standalone platforms—by driving innovation, execution excellence, and cross-functional alignment across a broad, global engineering and product ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Executive leadership for the Surface Modification (SM) Group, managing a high-performing, multidisciplinary organization of ~25–30 professionals across hardware engineering, process development, product support, and product management.
• Define and execute the strategic vision and growth roadmap for Surface Modification technologies, including emerging standalone products and enabling modules for integrated pre-clean and post-treatment.
• Collaborate closely with Key Product Unit (KPU) and Global Product Marketing (GPM) leadership to align technology innovation with overall business objectives and market opportunities.
• Ensure operational excellence and delivery across all development programs, meeting quality, cost, and timeline commitments while enhancing competitiveness and customer value.
• Cultivate a customer-centric organization by partnering with key customers and the Key Account Technology (KAT) team to understand evolving needs and secure successful product qualifications.
• Serve as the executive sponsor for complex cross-organizational initiatives, aligning R&D, marketing, and operations on shared goals.
• Drive organizational development by building and scaling leadership capacity, including direct management of seasoned managers and development of future leaders.
• Contribute actively to ASM’s long-term strategic planning and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product and technology portfolio in advanced materials engineering.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 13+ years of progressive experience in the semiconductor industry (capital equipment preferred), with significant leadership roles spanning surface engineering, process technology, or adjacent domains (CVD, PVD, plasma treatment, etc.).
• Proven track record in incubating and delivering new product platforms from concept through commercialization in a global, fast-paced innovation environment.
• Demonstrated success leading managers and senior technical professionals, with a strong emphasis on talent development and organizational scalability.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional execution discipline and the ability to influence across functions and cultures.
• Strong customer orientation and experience navigating technical engagements with global semiconductor manufacturers.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLC), operational efficiency frameworks, and go-to-market strategies.
• Effective decision-maker with a pragmatic and collaborative leadership style
• Exceptional communicator and problem solver with strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Committed to developing talent, fostering collaboration, and building high-performance cultures

We make the tech that enables the chips in devices which improve lives around the world. We do this with an eye to the future, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through cutting-edge innovation, and driving the next wave of technological breakthroughs that shape how we live, work, and connect.

To learn more about ASM, find us at asm.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

ASM is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.