Technical R&D Director

Heaviley
8 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Device Operations Director

Process Engineering Team Lead

Principal Process Engineer

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Lead Process Engineer - Electrode

Nexperia is one of the world’s leaders in essential semiconductors and aspires to become a $10b turnover business by 2030. This ambition can be achieved through our next generation technologies, ongoing improvement in manufacturing sustainability, state-of-the-art facilities, and most importantly, investing in our people. We are now looking for a UK based Technical R&D Director to join our team.

What our Technical R&D Director will do

Reporting directly to our Head of Technology Development, our Technical R&D Director will lead the development and application of advanced TCAD simulation methodologies to optimise the design, reliability, and performance of Power MOSFETs and other power semiconductor devices.

You will work closely with R&D, process engineers, device engineers, and product teams to drive innovation in semiconductor device physics, technology development, and process integration. Your role will be critical in ensuring accurate predictive modeling, process optimization, and next-generation power device innovations.

Key responsibilities will include



Leading and mentoring a team of TCAD engineers, providing technical direction and best practices

*

Driving TCAD simulation activities for the design and optimization of Power MOSFETs along with electrical and thermal simulations to predict device degradation, hot carrier effects, and lifetime performance

*

Collaborating with R&D and foundry teams to define and improve device design and semiconductor fabrication processes

*

Working closely with process engineers, layout teams, product designers, and reliability engineers to ensure TCAD insights are integrated into product development

What you will need

Essential:

*

PhD or Master’s degree in electrical/Electronics Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, or a related field

*

At least10 years of experience in relevant field along with at least 5 years of experience in managing TCAD/Device team

Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of MOSFET device physics, Hands-on experience with TCAD Modelling tools (Synopsys Sentaurus, Silvaco Atlas, COMSOL etc) processing, and assembly - preferably Power MOSFETs

Attention to Detail: A strong analytical and inquisitive mindset

Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex technical details to non-technical audiences

Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to manage stakeholders and align activities with long-term goals

Beneficial:

*

Experience in high-voltage and low-voltage power device design

*

Experience in automation, ML and implementing own source code in simulation framework

*

Having patents in device design/process to demonstrate the technical experience

Why work for us?

Remuneration & Reward – competitive base salary dependent on experience, Annual Incentive Plan, excellent package including contributory pension scheme, recognition rewards scheme, income protection, 12 x salary life assurance and more.

Health & Wellbeing – Hybrid working policy, 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, flexible benefits scheme, enhanced sick pay, on-site medical centre, subsidised canteen, employee assistance programme, retail and entertainment reductions and a variety of sports and social clubs.

Professional Development – Possibility for funded academic support up to PhD level, employee goal setting and development plans, huge growth potential both internally and globally within the business, opportunity to contribute and work with cutting edge technologies.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability – A global commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, working with suppliers who embrace and comply with the Nexperia Supplier Code of Conduct, paid time off for every employee to support charitable work.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Corporate members of Neurodiversity in Business and a Disability Confident Employer. Dedicated Employee Resource Groups for Neuroinclusion, the LGBTQ+ community, and Women in Nexperia with a commitment to increase women in management positions to 30% by 2030.

As a company, we value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do but because diverse teams perform better. Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all, and we consider all applicants fairly, as well as providing a safe work environment and reasonable adjustments where requested.

What happens next?

If you are excited about our Technical R&D Director role, please click ‘apply’ now.

We welcome your application even if you don't think you meet all the criteria, but you have some relevant experience. This position might not be for you, but the next one could be. Please feel free to contact us directly to discuss the position or the company in more detail.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Semiconductor Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Semiconductor Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry, it can feel like you’re expected to master an endless list of tools, software packages and lab equipment before you even submit a CV. One job advert wants experience with TCAD and process simulation, another mentions SPICE and yield tools, while yet another asks for test automation platforms, yield analysis software, hardware description languages, EDA suites and hundreds of others. With so many technical names thrown around, it’s easy to fall into “tool anxiety” — the feeling that you’re behind because you don’t know every piece of software, every lab instrument and every process control suite. Here’s the honest truth most semiconductor hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can use the right tools to solve real engineering problems and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter, absolutely. But they exist to help you deliver measurable results — not to be collected like badges. So how many semiconductor tools do you actually need to know to get a job? The answer is a lot fewer than you might think — and far more focused on core capabilities than a long checklist. This guide breaks down what employers really value, which tools are essential, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you are confident and credible.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Semiconductor Job Applications (UK Guide)

The semiconductor industry is fast-moving, highly technical and critically important to modern technology. Whether you’re targeting roles in device design, process engineering, yield improvement, test and validation, equipment engineering, reliability, failure analysis or fab operations, hiring managers are selective and deliberate in how they review applications. Most candidates still make the same mistake: they throw generic skill lists and duty statements at recruiters and hope it sticks. In reality, hiring managers make an early call — often within the first 10–20 seconds — based on a few key signals that tell them whether you’re a credible, relevant, impactful candidate. This article breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in semiconductor job applications — how they scan your CV, portfolio and cover letter, what makes them read deeper, and what causes strong candidates to be passed over in favour of others.

The Skills Gap in Semiconductor Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The semiconductor industry lies at the heart of modern technology. From smartphones and data centres to autonomous vehicles, medical devices and defence systems, semiconductors power the digital age. The UK is investing heavily in semiconductor research, fabrication and talent development as part of its industrial strategy — yet employers continue to report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not job-ready for semiconductor roles. Despite strong academic programmes in engineering, physics and materials science, there remains a tangible skills gap between what universities teach and what semiconductor employers actually need. This article explores that gap in depth: what universities do well, where there are consistent shortfalls, why the divide persists, what employers genuinely want, and how jobseekers can bridge the gap to build successful careers in the semiconductor sector.