Customer Program Manager

Customer Program Manager:

Advantest is the world's largest provider of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) to the semiconductor industry. For seven decades, Advantest has led the way in developing new and innovative test and handling solutions for the global electronics industry. Advantest Test Solutions, Inc (ATS) is a subsidiary of Advantest America located in Lake Forest, CA and is a leading provider of massively parallel electronic test systems that includes System Level Test (SLT), burn-in and semiconductor/module tests.  ATS has an exciting line of high-performance test systems that support the semiconductor industry around the world.

We are looking for a Customer Program Manager (CPM) to assure our customers’ success with ATS products and services fostering long-term, strategic partnerships. The CPM is the primary contact for our most important customers, marshalling ATS, Advantest, and 3rd party resources in support of these customers’ test challenges and operational efficiency using our equipment. The CPM will establish customer satisfaction standards, institute strategic plans, and monitor progress for schedule performance, cost management, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction.  This person will also initiate program corrections as critical deviations are identified.

This is a unique opportunity, ideal for a candidate with diverse technical and communication skill sets to oversee & direct a multi-disciplinary group.  To have a high impact on ATS' success, the candidate must be capable of setting and adjusting priorities rapidly, allocate project resources appropriately and be tactical in creating strategies, as well as building strong customer relationships.  We are looking for an energetic, intelligent, and dynamic individual with high integrity to join our team.  Advantest is a fast-paced environment so this individual must also be able to handle rapidly changing work assignments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as key customer contact on customer contract performance and support.
• Define program requirements in terms of product design, systems and process management, project budgets, cost management, resource deployment, technical support, program/project phases, master schedules/project milestones and all other planning activities for program implementation & on-going maintenance.
• Provide leadership, project management and direction to cross-functional teams supporting customer program requirements focused on customers’ use of our equipment.
• Support customer personnel by directing ATS functional resources to provide on-going assistance and instructions in the deployment and operation of semiconductor test equipment/tools/systems and product applications. Liaison with customers’ manufacturing partners in the optimal operation of our equipment.
• Conduct and facilitate program reviews to assess cost and delivery performance and ensure the achievement of technical goals and contract commitments while keeping within a budget. This may include post-mortem analysis after product or program launch.
• Present status reports to senior management, including any action recommendations requiring further approvals.
• Collaborate with procurement, engineering, manufacturing / operations, and quality assurance in overseeing the selection and contract performance of subcontractors providing technology, key product components and engineering services for assigned programs.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Education & Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in: Capital Equipment (semiconductor industry), with experience interfacing with customers.
• Background in semiconductor backend test highly preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) preferred.
• Extensive experience in the management of multi-discipline, technical programs, preferably in the semiconductor/semiconductor test industry plus the subcontract management of major suppliers.
• Should have competencies in risk management measurement and integrated master planning/scheduling.
• Should have a good understanding of PCB design and fabrication, automation systems, mechanical design, AC/DC power controls and thermal control systems/chillers and refrigerants coupled with field engineering management experience for high technology employees.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Must be able to function independently and possess high level problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work comfortably with all levels of the organization, develop plans, and represent ATS professionally to the customer.
• An ability to be productive and successful in an intense work environment with dynamic changing customer priorities.
• Ability to travel both domestically & internationally.
• English language is required; other languages such as Mandarin, Korean or Japanese can be an advantage.

• This is an on-site position in our Lake Forest, CA office.