Corporate Director, KPU Head

About the role

The KPU Head for Nitrides (NT) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of ASM’s Nitride technology portfolio, essential to scaling next generation logic and memory devices. This role demands a seasoned leader with deep semiconductor process equipment expertise, strong systems level vision, and the ability to drive complex, global organizations toward high value outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Build, mentor, and scale a world-class engineering and product organization with deep expertise in Nitride process chemistry, film properties, device integration, and ALD equipment behavior.
• Own the complete lifecycle of ASM’s Nitrides product line, from concept and architecture through development, validation, release, and HVM expansion.
• Define and lead the product and technology roadmap based on market inflections, customer roadmaps, and ASM’s long-term strategy.
• Drive daily execution across process development, hardware engineering, software, controls, and manufacturing teams.
• Lead PLC teams to deliver next generation Nitride ALD systems that meet performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability targets.
• Lead your Process Engineering, Product Management, Marketing, and Key Account Technology teams to accelerate qualification cycles and deliver solutions that address customer problems.
• Engage directly with global customers to understand their integration needs, roadmap evolution, and challenges related to Nitride films, stacks, and device modules.
• Translate customer insights into clear product requirements and competitive differentiation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in product performance, system reliability, and engineering execution efficiency.
• Support strategic planning, market forecasting, and long-term portfolio direction for the Nitrides KPU.
• Represent the Nitride product line in executive, customer, and across BU forums.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of industry with a proven track record of leading the development of deposition equipment for semiconductor industry.
• Demonstrated leadership of global, multifunctional engineering teams of 20+ through complex product development cycles.
• Strong history of executing products under cost, ahead of schedule, with the utmost quality.
• Direct customer engagement experience solving complex integration and process challenges.

Preferred Technical Expertise

• Experience in Nitride deposition (e.g., metal nitrides and carbides such as WC, TiN, TaN and other conductive films for metallization, electrodes and gate metal applications across memory and logic).
• Strong familiarity with device integration challenges where nitrides play a critical role (e.g., spacers, liners, barriers, gates, and passivation layers).
• Systems level knowledge of semiconductor process equipment architecture.

Personal and Professional Attributes

• Visionary, talent-first leader who anticipates customer needs, shapes the nitrides roadmap, and builds an inclusive, high-performing team.
• Agile, results-driven operator who delivers excellence beyond industry standards and leads change with resilience and a One ASM mindset.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline; comfortable balancing big picture vision with day-to-day details.
• Persistent, adaptable, and skilled at navigating ambiguity in fast-moving technology environments.
• Natural problem solver who communicates with clarity while aligning diverse stakeholders.
• Effective at decision-making under incomplete information and prioritizing what truly matters.
• Collaborative and culturally inclusive, with the ability to influence across global teams and functions.
• Inspires teams to innovate, deliver, and continuously improve.