Program Manager

Advantest•San Jose, CA

About The Position

The Program Manager (PM) in ESBU owns end‑to‑end execution of customer‑funded engineering systems programs, from demand signal through delivery, installation, and customer acceptance. The role combines technical program management, operational execution, supplier coordination, and cross‑BU governance. The PM is accountable for delivering complex test cell and insertion solutions on time, to quality, and with clear ownership across Advantest and its partners. This is a delivery‑owning execution role, not a coordination‑only PM position.

Requirements

Proven experience delivering complex, cross‑functional, globally distributed programs.
Strong background in system‑driven environments (HW + SW).
Demonstrated ownership of execution under schedule, resource, and stakeholder pressure.
Prior experience working in a truly international environment.
Demonstrated ability to understand and effectively manage cultural differences in communication, decision‑making, escalation, and execution across regions.
Strong execution and accountability mindset.
Ability to facilitate deep technical discussions and drive decisions without direct authority.
High cultural awareness and adaptability when working across regions and functions.
Clear, structured communication with senior leadership and customers.
Self‑motivated, resilient, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

Semiconductor / ATE industry experience.
Background in engineering services, insertion programs, or first‑of‑kind system delivery.
Experience working with teams in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Familiarity with Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

Own full lifecycle execution of ESBU programs: Forecast and demand alignment, Ordering and BOM readiness, Manufacturing, system integration, and assembly, Shipment, installation, and customer buy‑off.
Act as the single point of accountability for ESBU delivery commitments.
Drive monthly demand planning and delivery plans for ESBU‑owned systems.
Align Business Development/ Sales FCST, customer CRDs, and operational readiness (CRD vs. SSD vs. “ready‑for‑test”).
Establish predictable execution of cadence and transparency across stakeholders.
Lead execution across globally distributed teams, including: ESBU engineering (HW, SW, system integration), Product Units (e.g., V93k PU), Operations and logistics, Field Service and installation.
Navigate time zone, cultural, and organizational differences while driving alignment, ownership, and timely decision‑making.
Participate in ESBU staff meetings to align execution priorities and resolve ownership gaps.
Coordinate execution across multiple external suppliers and partners.
Align delivery plans, capacity assumptions, changes, risks, and mitigations.
Drive escalation and resolution jointly with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Own ESBU execution processes for: BOM definition and approval, Ordering workflows and approvals, Handover to operations and logistics.
Ensure processes are clearly defined, scalable, and consistently followed.
Identify and close process gaps impacting execution.
Define, track, and drive execution of KPIs (schedule adherence, readiness, system quality at handover).
Proactively identify risks across supply, integration, ownership, and execution.
Lead mitigation planning and escalate decisively when required.
Provide clear, fact‑based program status to ESBU leadership.
Prepare inputs for: Monthly ESBU manufacturing and execution updates, Strategic Program Reviews (SPR) and roadmap discussions, Executive escalation forums.
Support customer‑facing communication related to ESBU execution when needed.