Senior Project Manager

Description

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is a rapidly expanding innovator in advanced semiconductor foundry services and pioneer in Silicon Photonics technology, operating a U.S.-based CMOS-fab in Temecula, California. As a "lab to fab" oriented facility, we specialize in custom process development, heterogeneous integration, microstructures foundry capabilities, wafer-scale processing, MEMS integration, advanced wafer bonding, and low-to-high volume production on 200mm and 300mm wafer platforms. Our 450,000 square feet and ITAR-registered fab enables disruptive startups, university spin-offs, and leading global innovators to transform breakthrough ideas into commercial wafer and chip technologies with rapid prototyping, development, and volume scaling.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Project Manager to join our FSBU and drive inspiring, high-impact projects with disruptive technology leaders in AI, defense, aerospace, quantum computing, photonics, displays, MEMS, LiDAR, and biotech. You will serve as the primary customer-facing focal point, ensuring seamless execution of complex foundry programs, from initial concept through high-volume ramp, while collaborating cross-functionally in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
 

This role is ideal for someone passionate about enabling U.S. innovation, working directly with senior executives at groundbreaking companies, and leveraging world-class fab tools, processes, and engineering talent to deliver breakthrough wafer and chip solutions.

Responsibilities

· Lead cross-functional foundry development and production projects through structured phase-gate processes, from technology transfer and custom process development to volume production ramp.

· Serve as the primary project management point of contact for external customers and internal stakeholders, managing daily communications, requirement flow-down, and expectations across engineering, operations, sales, finance, and quality teams.

· Develop, maintain, and update comprehensive project schedules using Gantt charts (in tools like Microsoft Project) to track milestones, lot starts, wafer movement, out-dates, engineering hours, tool utilization, and deliverables; provide daily and weekly documented progress updates and forecasts to customers and leadership.

· Monitor and reconcile engineering hours, tool moves, resource allocation, and fab capacity to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget.

· Manage invoicing processes, including milestone-based billing, NRE (non-recurring engineering) fees, wafer pricing, and payment tracking in alignment with contractual terms.

· Identify, assess, and mitigate risks (technical, schedule, budgetary, supply chain) together with the Integration Technical Lead (ITL) through proactive strategies; escalate issues promptly, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

· Prepare and present detailed project updates, technical reviews, status reports, and risk assessments in customer meetings and internal reviews.

· Drive on-time delivery while maintaining high customer satisfaction; contribute to repeat business and expanded engagements.

· Collaborate with leadership to build and strengthen a high-performing program management function within the FSBU.

· Support large deal preparations, including input to quotations, capacity planning, and Deal Desk packages focused on fab services execution.

 Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice at the discretion of the company. 

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled, open cubicle setting. Frequent interruptions and conversational noise can be expected.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Materials, Chemical, Mechanical), Science, or Technology Management required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

· Minimum 7+ years of project/program management experience in foundry services, or advanced manufacturing environments; 5+ years in fab services, custom wafer processing, or process development projects preferred.

· Proven expertise in semiconductor fab operations, process flows, cleanroom environments, yield optimization, and heterogeneous integration technologies.

· Strong proficiency in project management tools (Microsoft Project or equivalent for Gantt chart development); experience with PSA, ERP, CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and financial tracking tools.

· Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification highly preferred.

Experience managing customer relationships at senior levels, including defense/ITAR-regulated programs and startup/venture ecosystems.

Willingness to travel up to 25% for customer meetings, site visits, and industry events.

Competencies

· Deep passion for working with disruptive innovators and technology leaders in AI, defense, aerospace, quantum compute, displays, photonics, biotech, semiconductor, and emerging fields.

· Strong fab services and process flow knowledge; ability to understand and influence technical requirements in wafer fabrication and development.

· Exceptional customer relationship management skills with a positive, detail-oriented, and service-focused mindset.

· Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present complex technical and schedule information clearly to diverse audiences (engineers, executives, customers).

· Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); advanced Excel for tracking and reconciliation.

· Solid understanding of lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles in a fab setting.

Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, sales, and finance. 

· Results-driven, proactive, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Authorization may be required to release covered technology to employees who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.

Compensation and Benefits

Skorpios embraces a Total Compensation philosophy that includes a base salary, eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus, and, for many positions, stock-based compensation.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement. Highlights include healthcare benefits, a 401(k) savings plan, and paid time off.

The actual starting base salary will be determined based on role-related criteria, including educational qualifications or equivalent experience, relevant work history, and the skills required for the role. This is not an exhaustive list, as some roles may demand unique skills or expertise.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement 

Skorpios is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on merit and business needs, without discrimination on the basis of age, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, medical condition, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We also comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law