Director of Process Development

Role Description

The Director of Process Development at Akash Systems will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to invent, develop, validate, test and transfer novel technologies that enable and enhance the company’s products and business objectives. This role is responsible for the conception, planning, and execution of multiple, concurrent development programs in a fast-paced, rigorous, results-driven environment.

Key responsibilities include defining any required technical process and measurement infrastructure leading the team to design and run structured projects using techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE) to drive data-informed technical decisions.

The successful candidate will lead a team to invent, model, design, develop, and qualify advanced thermal management solutions for electronic systems, that will meet demanding electrical, thermal, mechanical, and reliability requirements.

This role requires a strong multi-disciplinary understanding of electronic systems such as GPU servers for AI, high-bandwidth servers, and other compute systems; materials, material interfaces and relevant mechanical and chemical interactions; systems and software integration; thermal management for devices and systems and performance, reliability, and qualification testing. The Director will be responsible for leading the development team’s efforts in technology transfer to production.

Beyond technical leadership, the Director of Process Development will provide strategic direction for process technologies at Akash Systems, prioritize resources across multiple programs, and communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership. The ideal candidate combines strong technical breadth, excellent communication skills with excellent people leadership and project management skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability startup or growth-company environment.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Emeryville and Oakland, CA.

• BS or equivalent in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics or closely related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 years minimum relevant industry experience after completion of degree.
• Deep understanding of various materials properties including CVD diamond, semiconductors, metals, intermetallics, and composite materials) interfaces, and reliability in advanced electronic or semiconductor systems
• Experience leading the design/evaluation/validation of heat solutions for electronics such as heat sinks, heat pipes, or other structures.
• Strong background in leading process development, including Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Hands-on experience building and operating R&D or production facilities in deep tech,
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering and technician teams.
• Proven experience leading multiple technical projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead teams to achieve objectives.

Akash Systems does not sponsor or take over sponsorship for employment visas for this role (e.g., H‑1B, O‑1, TN, F‑1/OPT, etc.).
Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents.