Senior Factory Automation Leader

Senior Manufacturing Technology Leader - Factory Automation

Global Semiconductor Manufacturer | Executive Leadership Role

Flexible (very competitive) comp structure

Dallas, TX - 5 days per week onsite

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading global semiconductor manufacturer with a significant expansion program underway, seeking an exceptional Senior Manufacturing Technology Leader to drive the transformation of their worldwide manufacturing technology operations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, this executive role will lead technology strategy and execution across their wafer fabrication (300MM & 200MM), Assembly & Test, and Central manufacturing organisations globally. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enabling our client's ambitious manufacturing growth plans over the next decade.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a unified manufacturing technology vision and roadmap aligned to our client's expansion, throughput, and cost reduction objectives
• Partner with the CIO and executive leadership to align technology investment with business strategy
• Drive organisational transformation by consolidating siloed automation and technology teams into a cohesive, high-performing global function.

Data, AI/ML & Software Innovation

• Lead enterprise-wide data transformation to unlock manufacturing insights and enable predictive analytics at scale
• Champion AI/ML adoption including predictive maintenance, yield optimization, demand forecasting, and autonomous process control
• Drive cloud engineering strategies to modernise legacy infrastructure and reduce total cost of ownership
• Establish modern software development practices including DevOps, CI/CD, and agile methodologies
• Build a unified data architecture supporting real-time manufacturing intelligence and advanced analytics.

Technology & Automation

• Champion emerging technologies including Computer Vision, Robotics, Cobots, Industrial IoT, and Private 5G
• Drive progress toward lights-out/light-touch manufacturing operations
• Oversee Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Process Control, Dispatching, Yield Management, and Decision Support Systems.

Operational Excellence

• Deliver measurable improvements in automation availability, capability delivery velocity, and cost efficiency
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and establish clear metrics and accountability frameworks.

Talent & Organisation Development

• Build and lead a global team of data engineers, software developers, AI/ML specialists, and automation professionals
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• 15 years of progressive leadership experience in semiconductor manufacturing, industrial operations, or factory automation
• Proven track record leading large-scale data transformation and technology modernization programmes
• Deep expertise in AI/ML implementation, data engineering, and analytics platforms in manufacturing environments
• Strong background in cloud engineering, infrastructure modernization, and modern software development
• Experience building and leading global teams across multiple geographies (US, Asia, Europe)
• Expertise in MES, Process Control, and Decision Support Systems
• Demonstrated success delivering significant cost savings and throughput improvements through technology
• Strong executive presence with ability to influence at all levels
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Desirable

• Experience in semiconductor fab and/or assembly test environments
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid architectures
• Background in enterprise data lakes, real-time streaming platforms, and advanced analytics
• Experience with LLM/GenAI applications in industrial or manufacturing contexts
• Advisory or board experience with technology startups in industrial automation, data, or AI