Head of Quality and Industrialization / Head of Quality and Industrialization

Join Our Team as Head of Quality and Industrialization

Are you a seasoned leader in quality and industrialization with a proven background in semiconductor processes? At Lightium, we are at the forefront of building next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). We are seeking a Head of Quality and Industrialization to guide our technology from development to a qualified, certified, and multi-sourced production platform.

Position Summary

As the Head of Quality and Industrialization, you will bring over 10 years of experience in the semiconductor sector, steering the progression from process development to high-yield volume production. You will establish our initial quality management system aimed at achieving ISO 9001 certification by the end of 2027, industrialize our TFLN processes, and qualify our 200 mm production line. In this pivotal role, you will manage our network of external fabs, foundries, and back-end subcontractors, focusing on yield, reliability, and product qualification across diverse markets such as datacenters, telecom, space, and defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management System & ISO 9001 Certification:
  • Design and implement our inaugural QMS tailored for a semiconductor startup.
  • Oversee internal and external audit programs, management review cycles, and corrective and preventive actions.
  • Aim for ISO 9001 compliance by mid-2027, with certification targeted by the end of 2027.
• Process Industrialization & Technology Transfer:
  • Industrialize TFLN photonic processes from development to reliable production.
  • Lead the qualification of Lightium’s 200 mm TFLN line for production.
  • Manage process FMEAs, control plans, and internal and supplier process changes.
  • Define strategies for industry qualifications required for various markets.
• Foundry & Subcontractor Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external fabs and subcontractors.
  • Run governance related to foundry qualifications, quality agreements, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage foundry engineering topics and the integration of Lightium’s requirements.
  • Identify and qualify new fabs to support our dual-sourcing strategy.
• Yield, Data & Statistical Process Control:
  • Develop and lead the test and quality control strategy.
  • Own yield analysis and improvement initiatives.
  • Champion SPC methodologies throughout production processes.
• Reliability & Product Qualification:
  • Define and implement reliability and qualification strategies for PICs.
  • Conduct accelerated life and environmental testing, and manage qualification reports.
  • Build and maintain our failure analysis capability to inform design and process improvements.
• Production, Customer & Supplier Quality:
  • Oversee quality control across the entire PIC production line.
  • Act as the quality liaison for customers, managing specifications and audits.
  • Lead structured problem-solving initiatives for quality-related challenges.
• Operational Excellence, Team & Continuous Improvement:
  • Integrate quality processes into operational systems.
  • Champion continuous improvement and lead initiatives across production areas.
  • Develop and mentor a high-performing team with a strong quality mindset.

What You’ll Bring

• Educational Background: A degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, with advanced degrees and formal quality qualifications as strong assets.
• Experience: At least 10 years in quality and industrialization in the semiconductor sector, including hands-on leadership roles. Experience building a quality function from scratch in a startup or scale-up environment is highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge in NPI, SPC, FMEA, yield analysis, and quality management tools, with proven experience in managing foundry and subcontractor relationships.
• Mindset: A senior leader who is also hands-on, knowledgeable about the growth phases of a startup, and skilled in effective communication. Ability to foster a team-oriented culture while driving quality initiatives is essential.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German, French, or Chinese is a plus.

What We Offer

This is a unique opportunity to establish the quality and industrialization foundation for a cutting-edge company producing photonic integrated circuits for next-generation AI data centers. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), and support for continuous learning through courses, certifications, and industry events.

If you're excited about building innovative technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.