We are seeking an executive-level Director of Engineering to lead the architecture, development, and commercialization of our next-generation semiconductor test platform. This role is responsible for guiding a global multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning the AI-enabled engineering disciplines in system engineering, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and software.
In this position, you will drive the complete product lifecycle from technology development and prototyping through stage-gated NPI execution and global high-volume manufacturing deployment. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise, strong organizational leadership, and customer engagement to deliver uniquely innovative solutions to the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical & Product Leadership
Define system architectures, engineering methodologies, and multi-generation technology roadmaps.
Lead the development of complex electromechanical systems, balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and time-to-market objectives.
Drive innovation and adoption of AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Product Development & Execution
Lead a disciplined stage-gate NPI process, ensuring successful verification, validation, manufacturing readiness, and product launch.
Establish best practices for systems engineering, requirements management, risk assessment, design reviews, reliability, and quality.
Customer & Business Engagement
Collaborate with Product Marketing, Applications Engineering, and key customers to align product strategy to emerging market requirements.
Serve as the senior technical interface for strategic customer engagements and technology reviews.
Organizational Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a global engineering organization consisting of engineering managers, principal engineers, and technical specialists.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Manufacturing & Operations
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality organizations to ensure successful product introduction and lifecycle support.
Drive product objectives for reliability, serviceability, safety, uptime, and customer satisfaction.
Education and Experience
Required
BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in semiconductor capital equipment, semiconductor test, wafer fabrication equipment, or related industries.
Proven success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex product development programs.
Strong systems architecture experience delivering products through formal NPI processes.
Experience managing engineering managers, geographically distributed teams, and significant R&D investments.
Preferred
Experience in semiconductor test, ATE, probe, wafer sort, advanced packaging, or related technologies.
Technical knowledge of digital, RF, power, embedded processing, automation, thermal, mechanical, and precision measurement systems.
Experience applying AI/ML technologies to engineering development, automation, process optimization, or product innovation.
Company Summary
With more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer challenging and rewarding work experiences, generous employee benefits and a strong company culture. If you are looking for a global publicly traded company that provides you with international experience and a challenging work environment, then Cohu is your choice.
Connect with Cohu…
Connect with your future…
Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $175,000-$225,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu’s good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this role upon hire. This role may also be eligible for other compensation programs as determined by company policy.
Featured benefits
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition assistance
• Disability & life insurance
• Profit Sharing
Cohu firmly supports the U.S. national and various state and local policies of equal employment opportunity which are designed to provide equality of employment and advancement opportunities to every individual without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other legally protected category.
In addition, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified disabled individuals, upon request.
Globally, Cohu is committed to full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing employment, in the U.S. and in all other locations around the world where we have operations.
Skills Required
- BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in semiconductor capital equipment, semiconductor test, wafer fabrication equipment, or related industries
- Proven success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex product development programs
- Strong systems architecture experience delivering products through formal NPI processes
- Experience managing engineering managers, geographically distributed teams, and significant R&D investments
- Experience in semiconductor test, ATE, probe, wafer sort, advanced packaging, or related technologies
- Technical knowledge of digital, RF, power, embedded processing, automation, thermal, mechanical, and precision measurement systems
- Experience applying AI/ML technologies to engineering development, automation, process optimization, or product innovation
Cohu, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cohu, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Cohu, Inc..
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Retirement Support — A company-sponsored 401(k) with employer matching contributions is described in filings, supporting long-term savings. Company materials also highlight retirement programs as part of a comprehensive package.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase plan with a discounted lookback feature is outlined, expanding access to ownership. This structure can enhance total rewards value beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Company materials outline robust paid time off programs and parental leave for all new parents. Time-off programs are presented as part of a comprehensive, globally relevant benefits suite.
Cohu, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Cohu is a leading supplier of semiconductor test and inspection & metrology handlers, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) test modules, test contactors, thermal sub-systems and semiconductor automated test equipment used by global semiconductor and electronics manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors. Our product portfolio is focused on increasing yield, reducing cost of test, and accelerating time-to-market. Cohu is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: COHU) global company with headquarters in Poway, CA. We have a global footprint with ~3,000 employees. We are the leading supplier of Semiconductor Test and Inspection & Metrology Handlers and Test Contactors. We have market leadership in RF Power Amplifier/Front-End Module Testing.
