VP, Engineering

Job Summary:

Are you ready to lead the engineering organization of a growing, technology-focused business? Do you enjoy working collaboratively with highly skilled engineers to rapidly develop advanced automated equipment? Are you tired of working on the same product year after year?

AIR is seeking an experienced engineering leader to guide our Silicon Valley technical team. We develop complex custom equipment from early concept through first article build and customer deployment. You will work closely with customers to understand their needs, help shape equipment concepts, manage technical risk, and see the resulting systems operating in our customers' factories —or in their customers' factories.

We are looking for someone with a track record of leading strong engineering teams in a fast-paced technical environment. You should have the technical credibility to work effectively with experienced engineers and customers, while also knowing when to step back and let capable technical leaders lead. Experience developing complex capital equipment is important, and semiconductor equipment experience is strongly preferred.

Fast forward two years. You have strengthened an already capable engineering team and developed greater depth in the technical leaders who create the next generation of machines. You have successfully navigated ambiguous customer requirements and helped the team develop multiple new first-of-kind systems. You lead collaboratively, giving experienced technical leaders room to thrive while providing the direction, judgment, and accountability they need to succeed. Sales considers you a valuable partner, and customers see you as a trusted advisor. You are working effectively across AIR SV and the broader AIR organization, helping shape both our technical capabilities and the future direction of the business.

Why work for us? 

For over 40 years, AIR Silicon Valley (formerly Owens Design) has specialized in designing and manufacturing complex, advanced technology systems. Our work has focused on semiconductor, hard disk drive, and emerging technologies where customers need equipment that does not yet exist; turning our customers’ cutting-edge intellectual property into viable products. We value collaboration, creativity, technical judgment, and quality. Our integration with AIR continues to expand the capabilities, resources, and expertise available to our team and our customers 

Critical Success Factors:

Build the Next Generation of Technical Leaders & System Architects

AIR Silicon Valley’s ability to develop novel machine concepts is a critical competitive differentiator. Creating more depth within the staff to develop creative system architectures is a top priority.

• Develop engineers with the capability to translate ambiguous customer requirements into effective machine architectures
• Strengthen system-level capability in concept development, technical risk identification and management, and creative solution communication.
• Create opportunities and paths for emerging architects to develop complex concepts
• Supplement internal development with targeted hiring with a focus on precision motion, vacuum systems and general knowledge of semiconductor equipment and processes

Build Scalable & Flexible Engineering Capabilities

In an environment with surges in project activity, flexible engineering resources must be used effectively to complement the in-house staff while maintaining margins (both through high in-house utilization and low-cost outsourcing)

• Develop a strategy and establish partners that balances permanent staffing, consultants, contractors and AIR cross-business unit resources. 
• Ensure AIR SV has sufficient engineering capacity to support backlog and changing project demand without carrying excessive overhead.
• Build and manage a strong network of engineering consultants and flexible resources.
• Align resource planning with backlog, forecast, schedule requirements and margin expectations.

Support Sales & Strategic Customer Engagement

• Support Sales during strategic, early engagement discussions to understand customer’s needs and the fit with AIR’s capabilities. Act as a trusted advisor and represent the technical depth AIR provides.
• Participate in proposal reviews and assess technical risk, staffing requirements, schedule feasibility, re-use potential and development requirements.
• Help identify opportunities that fit AIR SV’s technical capabilities (and business model) and those that may fit better with other AIR business units.
• Communicate technical risks and trade-offs to customers in a way that builds confidence and supports commercial decisions.
• Support the development of credible budgetary concepts and estimates when complete project definition is vague or not available.

Lead Engineering Through AIR Enterprise Integration

AIR Silicon Valley is part of a growing global automation company with multiple business units. 

• Implement AIR enterprise engineering standards and processes while preserving the speed, flexibility, and engineering practices that are critical to AIR SV’s customers
• Manage change within the internal team by explaining changes in practical technical and business terms rather than top-down compliance.
• Represent AIR Silicon Valley as a practical and constructive contributor to broader AIR initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 15+ years of engineering experience, including significant responsibility for complex engineered systems or capital equipment.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams, managers, or multidisciplinary technical organizations.
• Experience developing complex capital equipment, either as an equipment manufacturer or working closely with end users of production equipment.
• Experience with multidisciplinary systems involving mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineering.
• Strong technical judgment and the ability to participate credibly in architecture reviews, technical risk discussions, and customer conversations.
• Experience operating in environments where requirements may initially be incomplete, evolving, or technically ambiguous.
• Ability to balance technical performance, schedule, cost, risk, and customer requirements.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience in semiconductor equipment.
• Experience developing semiconductor capital equipment, subsystems, automation, or equipment used by semiconductor manufacturers.
• A strong network within Silicon Valley and the broader semiconductor equipment ecosystem.
• Experience supporting technical sales, proposals, and early customer concept development.

Employment Classification & Compensation:

This position is classified as exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.

The salary range for this position is $250,000 – $280,000 annually, depending on skills, experience, and business needs. The position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus. Additional long-term incentive opportunities may be available depending on the candidate and applicable company programs.

Compliance Notices:

• A background check will be required after a conditional offer of employment, in compliance with California law
• Employment is at‑will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with California law 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Automated Industrial Robotics Silicon Valley Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Disclaimer: 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.