Director of Project Management, Engineering

MKS Instruments • Wilmington, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Project Management leads the Plasma, Reactive Gas, and Controls portfolio of strategic programs and projects. The Director of Project Management is accountable for the successful delivery of a portfolio of strategically critical programs spanning the Plasma, Reactive Gas, and Controls businesses. This role owns portfolio-level outcomes, balancing speed, cost, risk, and value realization to achieve defined business objectives. Operating as a member of the VP/GM’s leadership staff, the Director leads both enterprise governance and hands-on execution of high-impact initiatives. The role requires strong judgment, executive presence, and the ability to drive alignment and decisive action across a highly matrixed organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years of relevant experience (or 10+ years with a Master’s), including 5+ years leading large, cross‑functional teams to successful New Product Introduction (NPI) outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to balance governance enforcement with direct program leadership.
• Strong track record of executive‑level customer engagement and relationship management.
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Nice To Haves

• Engineering background with program/project management experience, ideally in NPI from R&D through production.
• Technical understanding of semiconductor operating principles, process flows, and test methodologies.
• Experience with quality systems, manufacturing execution systems, process and quality control, and change management.
• Proven success in a Director‑level (or equivalent) role within a matrixed organization.
• Ability to assess technical claims and validate engineering deliverables.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align project portfolios to strategic market and operational goals.
• PMI certification (PMP, PgMP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of the VP/GM’s staff, contributing to project portfolio plan, management and execution.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Project Managers, ensuring balanced workload distribution and professional growth.
• Enforce enterprise project management methodologies, stage-gate processes, and reporting standards.
• Maintain portfolio-level visibility for BU leadership, enabling informed prioritization and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements across all projects.
• Directly lead mission-critical, high-risk, or strategically sensitive programs.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and quality to ensure seamless execution from concept through production.
• Chair executive-level program reviews and customer meetings, ensuring clear communication of progress, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement
• This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director