Head of Foundry

The Head of Foundry owns fabrication reality. This role exists to ensure that what we design can actually be fabricated at yield, at scale, and without surprises.

As Head of Foundry, you are accountable for process truth.

You own foundry relationships, process flows, yield, risk, and execution. You lead foundry meetings. You micromanage details because details determine success.

You are expected to be technically deep, obsessively prepared, and unafraid to push back.

This role requires intensity. You must be willing to work extended hours and weekends when required.

• Own all external MEMS, PIC, and ASIC foundry relationships

• Lead foundry meetings - agenda-driven, data-driven, decision-oriented

• Translate R&D intent into foundry-ready process flows

• Own tape-out readiness from a process and yield risk perspective

• Flag, quantify, and elevate unacceptable yield or reliability risks early

• Own full process flows and understand every major process module, including:

  • Lithography: DUV, i‑line, e‑beam

  • Etching: DRIE (high aspect ratio), wet etch, VHF / HF release

  • Deposition: LPCVD, PECVD, metal deposition

  • Bonding: fusion bonding, eutectic bonding

  • TSVs, implantation, capping (vacuum capping in particular)

  • Wafer‑level and die‑level packaging

  • Flip‑chip, wire bonding, routing, pad exposure

  • Dicing (including stealth dicing)

• Understand typical defects, failure modes, and yield limiters for MEMS and PIC processes.

• Drive process optimisation using:

  • Structured DOE planning and execution

  • SPC, process capability analysis

  • PFMEA, 5‑Why, 8D root‑cause analysis

• Personally perform or directly interpret:

  • SEM, FIB

  • Optical microscopy

  • Profilometry

  • Ellipsometry

  • AOI

• Correlate metrology results with process steps, models, and yield data

• Be able to say why something failed - not just that it failed

• Use and understand:

  • FEM and process simulation tools

  • Virtual cleanroom / process emulation software

  • KLayout (viewer and scripting for density checks, cross‑sections, etc.)

  • PDK‑related process rules and checks

• Perform analytical pen‑and‑paper calculations to sanity‑check foundry outputs.

• Write Python for:

  • Data analysis

  • Yield tracking

  • Process monitoring

  • Automation of checks and reporting

• Work closely with:

  • Head of R&D - to understand architectural intent and early risk

  • Head of Engineering - to stabilise, scale, and lock processes

• Communicate clearly and asynchronously - written updates are expected, not optional

• Be a constant source of process clarity, not noise

• Direct experience working inside a MEMS foundry

• At least 2 years in a project or process lead / manager role

• Taken a MEMS product from concept through high‑volume production in a fabless company

• Deep MEMS process expertise, with working knowledge of PIC and ASIC processes

• Hands‑on metrology experience (SEM and related tools)

• Ability to do:

  • First‑principles hand calculations

  • FEM / process simulation

  • Python scripting for analysis and automation

• Exceptional organisation and preparation skills

• Reports directly to the CEO

• Can block tape‑out due to yield risk

• External owner of manufacturing readiness

• Works closely with Engineering and R&D

• Someone who hates surprises

• Someone who enjoys digging into process corners

• Someone who sees suppliers as engineering problems

• Someone relentless about preparation and truth

• Tape‑outs happen without surprises

• Process risks, yield limiters, and corner cases are identified before wafers are released, not discovered afterwards.

• Yield and performance are explainable

• Variations in device behaviour can be traced back to specific process steps, parameters, or interactions - with evidence, not guesses.

• Foundries are tightly managed and deeply prepared

• Foundry meetings are efficient, technical, and outcome‑driven. External partners know that vague answers will be challenged and that data is expected.

• Clear process ownership exists internally

• Everyone knows which process assumptions are safe, which are marginal, and which are under active investigation. There is a single source of truth.

• Failur…