Director System Application Engineering

Advantest•Austin, TX

About The Position

Advantest is seeking a strategic and experienced System Application Engineering Director to lead and develop global application engineering teams supporting key customers in the U.S. semiconductor test market. The role provides strategic and technical leadership across Power, Analog, and Controller applications on the V93000 platform, as well as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) technologies through Advantest’s CREA subsidiary. The Director is responsible for driving customer satisfaction, strengthening technical capabilities, supporting business growth, and ensuring collaboration across global engineering, sales, research and development, and other cross-functional organizations. The role also oversees departmental headcount planning, resource allocation, budget management, performance measurement, and strategic planning, and provides updates to senior leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience leading international technical teams in semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE) application engineering, technical support, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading customer-facing engineering organizations and delivering measurable business results.
Strong understanding of semiconductor test systems, application engineering, and customer support environments.
Proven ability to develop and execute technical and organizational strategies.
Demonstrated leadership, people management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience supporting Advantest V93000 test systems and semiconductor applications.
Familiarity with Power, Analog, Controller, SiC, and GaN technologies.
Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams.
Experience managing departmental budgets, headcount planning, and organizational development.
Established relationships with semiconductor customers and experience supporting strategic accounts.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the application engineering strategy in alignment with Advantest’s business objectives and customer needs.
Lead and develop global System Application Engineering teams supporting key U.S. customers and strategic business initiatives.
Establish organizational priorities, operating processes, and technical capabilities for current and future business requirements.
Identify opportunities for business growth, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen Advantest’s competitive position in the semiconductor test market.
Oversee development and deployment of innovative test solutions across Power, Analog, Controller, and related semiconductor applications.
Provide strategic technical guidance for V93000 platform applications and SiC/GaN technologies.
Build and maintain relationships with key customers and align customer requirements with Advantest’s technical capabilities.
Partner with Sales, Business Development, Marketing, R&D, and other global organizations to address customer needs and support new business opportunities.
Ensure effective resolution of complex technical and customer-related challenges.
Build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering teams through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Establish organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities to support business priorities.
Develop talent and succession plans to support leadership continuity and long-term organizational effectiveness.
Promote knowledge sharing, technical development, and collaboration across global engineering teams.
Oversee departmental headcount planning, resource allocation, and budget management.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators for organizational performance, customer satisfaction, and operational effectiveness.
Ensure efficient use of engineering resources and alignment with business priorities.
Monitor industry developments, customer requirements, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and support strategic planning.
Provide regular updates to senior leadership on business performance, organizational priorities, and strategic initiatives.