Engineering Director - Semiconductors

Location: Thornton, Colorado

Department: Engineering

Reports To: VP of Operations

Forge Nano is a leader in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and advanced surface engineering, enabling breakthroughs in semiconductors, batteries, aerospace, and advanced materials. Our Tephra tools are redefining next-generation process capabilities for global leaders in technology and manufacturing.

The Engineering Director will lead Forge Nano’s engineering organization in Colorado, focusing on the design, development, and delivery of semiconductor capital equipment. This role is responsible for setting engineering strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless execution across mechanical, electrical, software, and process engineering teams. The Director will collaborate with operations, supply chain, and customer-facing teams to ensure products meet SEMI, ISO, and global customer standards while supporting Forge Nano’s growth and scalability.

• Lead and develop a high-performing cross-functional engineering team (mechanical, electrical, software, process engineering).
• Define and implement engineering roadmaps aligned with company growth objectives.
• Champion best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM), quality, and scalability.
• Oversee development of next-generation ALD-based semiconductor equipment.
• Ensure compliance with SEMI S2/S8, ISO 9001, CE, and global regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in tool reliability, performance, and cost optimization.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to enable global manufacturing scale-up (Colorado R&D, Taiwan mass production, global service).
• Work closely with Sales and Service teams to translate customer requirements into engineering solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and support for customer escalations and field issues.
• Lead engineering project management, ensuring milestones, budgets, and timelines are met.
• Establish metrics (OEE, reliability, yield, time-to-market) to measure engineering performance.
• Drive root-cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies for field and production challenges.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related Engineering field.
• 12+ years in semiconductor capital equipment, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong background in equipment design, system integration, and cleanroom/ISO standards.
• Hands-on experience with ALD, CVD, PVD, or similar semiconductor processes is highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of SEMI standards, vacuum systems, robotics, and process modules.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational development skills.
• Ability to work across global teams and manage complex stakeholder expectations.

• Opportunity to lead engineering at a fast-scaling semiconductor equipment innovator.
• Collaborative culture focused on innovation, customer success, and global impact.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toed shoes, lab coat, and around certain equipment, a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; employ hands to finger mobility, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel

Up to 15% travel to client locations may be required.

Why Join Forge Nano?

• Lead control engineering for cutting-edge semiconductor and nanotechnology tools.

• Drive global IT/OT and automation initiatives in a fast-scaling company.

• Work in a collaborative culture with strong technical and leadership growth opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• $128,000 – 168,000 Depending on qualifications

• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, generous PTO, FSA, HSA with qualifying medical plan, numerous voluntary benefits and 401(k) with company match.

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.