Vice President Seagate Research

Seagate Technology•Shakopee, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Seagate Research is responsible for advancing the scientific discoveries, breakthrough technologies, and strategic capabilities that will shape the future of data. As Seagate's central research organization, the team drives innovation across fundamental science, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation data solutions. Through internal research programs and external collaborations, Seagate Research creates new opportunities for growth, strengthens competitive advantage, and accelerates the commercialization of transformative technologies. Research focus areas include: Device Physics, Physical Intelligence and Robotics, Data Security, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Edge and Mass Capacity Solutions. This role will define and communicate Seagate's enterprise research vision aligned to long-term business, technology, and innovation strategies. The leader will lead a global, multidisciplinary research organization focused on future technologies and emerging competitive opportunities. Responsibilities include governing a balanced portfolio of foundational research, strategic capability development, adjacent innovation, and commercialization initiatives. This includes establishing portfolio roadmaps, investment frameworks, technical milestones, and review processes that drive disciplined decision-making and resource allocation. The role involves translating emerging technological shifts and scientific discoveries into actionable enterprise priorities and investment opportunities, and advising executive leadership on disruptive technologies, emerging risks, strategic technology choices, and future growth opportunities. The leader will drive the progression of research concepts from discovery through validation, prototyping, intellectual property development, business adoption, partnerships, licensing, or commercialization. Collaboration with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Information Security, Legal, Intellectual Property, Corporate Development, and business leaders is key to accelerate innovation adoption. Building and maintaining strategic relationships with universities, research institutions, government agencies, startups, suppliers, customers, and industry consortia is also a critical aspect. The role includes leading research planning and operational governance, encompassing budgets, laboratories, equipment, staffing, partnerships, compliance, safety, security, and portfolio risk management. Championing intellectual property creation, protection, and strategic utilization is essential. Finally, the leader will develop and inspire a diverse, high-performing team of technical leaders, researchers, and innovators, and represent Seagate externally as a recognized thought leader and advocate for innovation in data, storage, and advanced technologies.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research and development, advanced engineering, technology strategy, or related disciplines.
Significant experience leading leaders and multidisciplinary teams within large, global organizations.
Demonstrated success defining enterprise technology strategies and managing complex research portfolios across multiple investment horizons.
Proven track record of translating research into prototypes, intellectual property, technology transfers, strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, or commercial outcomes.
Experience managing significant operating budgets, research facilities, laboratory environments, and external research investments.
Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and boards.
Experience evaluating and managing technical, operational, strategic, and investment risks.

Nice To Haves

Executive leadership experience within data infrastructure, storage, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, hardware, AI, robotics, or other deep technology industries.
Experience operating at the intersection of research, product development, manufacturing, and commercial deployment.
Established network across academic institutions, government research agencies, industry organizations, startup ecosystems, and technology partners.
Recognized industry thought leadership demonstrated through patents, publications, conference presentations, standards participation, industry awards, or successful technology ventures.
Experience leading technology commercialization and innovation-to-market initiatives in global enterprises.

Responsibilities

Define and communicate Seagate's enterprise research vision aligned to long-term business, technology, and innovation strategies.
Lead a global, multidisciplinary research organization focused on future technologies and emerging competitive opportunities.
Govern a balanced portfolio of foundational research, strategic capability development, adjacent innovation, and commercialization initiatives.
Establish portfolio roadmaps, investment frameworks, technical milestones, and review processes that drive disciplined decision-making and resource allocation.
Translate emerging technological shifts and scientific discoveries into actionable enterprise priorities and investment opportunities.
Advise executive leadership on disruptive technologies, emerging risks, strategic technology choices, and future growth opportunities.
Drive the progression of research concepts from discovery through validation, prototyping, intellectual property development, business adoption, partnerships, licensing, or commercialization.
Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Information Security, Legal, Intellectual Property, Corporate Development, and business leaders to accelerate innovation adoption.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with universities, research institutions, government agencies, startups, suppliers, customers, and industry consortia.
Lead research planning and operational governance, including budgets, laboratories, equipment, staffing, partnerships, compliance, safety, security, and portfolio risk management.
Champion intellectual property creation, protection, and strategic utilization.
Develop and inspire a diverse, high-performing team of technical leaders, researchers, and innovators.
Represent Seagate externally as a recognized thought leader and advocate for innovation in data, storage, and advanced technologies.