Head of Semiconductor Application Engineering

What's the role?

The ZEISS Head of Applications is a senior leadership role responsible for leading the U.S. applications organization and driving a world‑class customer experience across strategic semiconductor accounts. This individual will partner closely with global stakeholders in Germany to translate customer and market insights into business priorities, customer‑focused solutions, and measurable outcomes that strengthen ZEISS’ market position.

The role is highly focused on building and leading a high‑performing applications team, fostering a culture of proactive customer support, operational excellence, and technical expertise. Acting as the voice of the customer and the U.S. business within the global leadership organization, the Head of Applications will influence go‑to‑market strategy, investment priorities, and long‑term business growth while ensuring customers receive exceptional service and support.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the U.S. Applications organization, ensuring alignment with ZEISS business objectives and customer success goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing applications team by establishing clear service expectations, strengthening organizational capability, and fostering a customer‑centric culture.
• Define priorities, operational rhythms, and performance metrics, incorporating voice‑of‑customer feedback and customer success KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales, Product Management, and Operations teams to improve customer adoption, retention, satisfaction, and revenue growth.
• Drive strategic initiatives and cross‑functional programs from concept through execution, including business case development, stakeholder alignment, and customer‑focused process improvements.
• Serve as the voice of the U.S. customer and business within the global leadership team, influencing strategy, investment decisions, and execution priorities through data‑driven insights and market feedback.
• Translate customer requirements, industry trends, and market opportunities into actionable recommendations for headquarters and global teams to support innovation, roadmap planning, and long‑term business growth.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Background in Engineering, Science, or equivalent industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the semiconductor market and customer environment, with the ability to connect technical concepts to business value and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and complex, cross‑functional initiatives from strategy through execution, with a strong customer‑first mindset.
• Proven business ownership experience, including KPI definition, performance management, and executive‑level reporting, as well as improving customer service metrics.
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across functions, regions, and organizational levels while driving strong customer outcomes.
• Ability to simplify complex technical and business topics into clear decisions, tradeoffs, and customer impact for both technical and non‑technical audiences; skilled in de‑escalation and issue resolution with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience leading teams and/or business‑critical programs with measurable outcomes, including demonstrated customer advocacy and service excellence.

• California $173,000 - $216,000
• Pacific/Northwest $167,000 - $209,000
• Mountain States $150,000 - $187,000

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• 401k Matching
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Vacation and sick pay
• The list goes on!

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).