Section Head of R&D – Silicon Wafering Technology
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced technology leader to drive the research, development, and industrialization of shaping and wafering technologies for single-crystal silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) solar applications. The role is responsible for delivering the organization's technology roadmap and cost reduction roadmap while fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and operational impact.
The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and researchers, develop next-generation manufacturing technologies, and ensure seamless transfer of innovations into high-volume manufacturing (HVM). This position plays a critical role in strengthening the company's competitive advantage through process innovation, yield enhancement, productivity improvement, and intellectual property development.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Leadership & Innovation
- Develop and execute the technology roadmap aligned with business growth objectives and cost competitiveness targets.
- Lead research and development initiatives focused on silicon shaping and wafering technologies for PV solar applications.
- Create and sustain an innovation-driven environment that encourages breakthrough thinking, continuous improvement, and future technology development.
- Drive the identification, evaluation, and implementation of emerging technologies to maintain industry leadership.
Process Development & Engineering Excellence
- Guide engineering teams in optimizing shaping and wafering processes to improve process capability, yield, throughput, quality, and cost.
- Identify, monitor, and control critical process parameters impacting manufacturing performance.
- Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities for process deviations, quality issues, and equipment-related challenges.
- Utilize data-driven methodologies to develop engineering solutions supporting process control, quality assurance, customer complaint resolution, and operational excellence.
- Establish robust process control plans and ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing operations.
Project & Portfolio Management
- Lead a portfolio of R&D and technology development projects with clear alignment to business value creation.
- Assess project risks, opportunities, resource requirements, and expected returns to optimize investment decisions.
- Ensure timely execution of projects while balancing short-term operational improvements with long-term technology advancement.
- Provide regular technical updates, reports, and presentations to senior management and key stakeholders.
People Leadership & Capability Building
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
- Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Attract, retain, and develop top engineering talent to strengthen organizational capability.
- Design and implement training programs to enhance technical competencies across the organization.
Manufacturing & Commercial Impact
- Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to successfully industrialize new technologies.
- Drive innovations that positively impact revenue growth, cost reduction, productivity, and product performance.
- Support smooth transitions from development to high-volume manufacturing through robust qualification and deployment processes.
Intellectual Property & Technical Leadership
- Actively contribute to the generation, protection, and expansion of the organization's intellectual property portfolio.
- Publish technical reports, document learnings, and establish best practices across the organization.
- Represent the company as a subject matter expert in silicon wafer manufacturing technologies.
Qualifications
Mandatory
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech.)
Preferred
- Master's Degree (M.Tech./M.S.) or Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Semiconductor Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in solar PV or semiconductor silicon wafer manufacturing, process development, or technology development.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering, technology, or R&D teams.
- Demonstrated success in leading technology development programs from concept through commercialization and manufacturing deployment.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Deep technical expertise in shaping, slicing, and wafering of single-crystalline and/or multicrystalline silicon.
- Strong understanding of semiconductor or photovoltaic manufacturing processes.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate technology opportunities into business value.
- Proven leadership and team-building capabilities.
- Strong project and portfolio management skills.
- Excellent analytical and data-driven problem-solving abilities.
- Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Inclusive leadership style with a strong focus on people development and organizational growth.
Preferred Skills
- Exposure to global manufacturing environments and international project execution.
- Experience in scaling technologies from laboratory development to high-volume manufacturing.
- Track record of innovation, patents, or intellectual property creation.
- Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and Industry 4.0 practices.
