Director of R&D and Laboratory Operations

Pivotal Systems•Fremont, CA

22d

About The Position

The Director of R&D Laboratory Operations for Pivotal provides strategic leadership, daily management, and continuous improvement of research and development laboratory operations and facilities across Pivotal locations, primarily in Fremont, California, and Reno, Nevada. The role also advises other global facilities as requested. It will primarily be based in Reno and requires travel to Pivotal facilities worldwide, with frequent travel to Fremont. The Director ensures laboratories and related facilities are properly built and operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and quality requirements while supporting innovation, product development, and scientific excellence. The role oversees laboratory personnel, budgets, equipment, capital projects, operational policies, quality systems, and environmental, health, and safety programs, with particular attention to the safe installation and operation of hazardous liquid and gaseous semiconductor process chemistries. The role coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, and product development teams; contributes to industry roadmaps, R&D, and product development in semiconductor fluid delivery and process control; and drives operational excellence through process improvement, resource optimization, and technology implementation. It may also advise on or implement enterprise software tools and, if requested, oversee CNC machine shop equipment and operations as well as small-scale cleanroom manufacturing and system integration activities.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and continuously improve R&D laboratory operations and facilities at Pivotal locations, and advise other global facilities as requested.
Manage facilities and laboratory personnel, budgets, equipment, and related capital projects.
Establish operational policies and best practices.
Oversee laboratory quality systems and EHS programs, focusing on safe installation and operation of hazardous liquid and gaseous semiconductor process chemistries.
Coordinate cross-functional activities with engineering, manufacturing, and product development teams.
Drive operational excellence through process improvement, resource optimization, and technology implementation.
Participate in industry roadmaps, R&D, and product development related to semiconductor fluid delivery and process control.
Advise on, develop, and/or implement enterprise software tools, including ERP, data acquisition, building automation and control systems, laboratory or calibration software, and calibration databases.
If requested, make provisions to hire, install, and manage CNC machine shop capital equipment and operations personnel, as well as small-scale cleanroom manufacturing and system integration operations involving orbital welding, assembly, and QA/QC testing.
Supervise and coordinate with quality and engineering personnel and help implement and maintain ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO95001, and ISO17025 requirements.