Chief Operating Officer
This position is expected to be on-site at Forge's corporate office in Thornton, CO full-time.
Summary/Objective
Forge Nano is a leading provider of advanced atomic layer deposition equipment solutions for the 200mm compound semiconductor and power electronics industry. Our innovative technologies enable the production of high-performance electronic devices that power the future of energy, communication, and computing. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth within our organization. Reporting to the CEO, the COO of Forge Nano provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that the company has the proper operational controls, engineering expertise, quality management, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating and engineering efficiency. This position collaborates with the CEO and other leaders to plan, execute and measure the success of all products with an emphasis on the semiconductor space, services and company objectives. The position accomplishes this through a respectful, constructive and energetic style, guided by the objectives of the company. This role requires a dynamic leader with extensive experience in the semiconductor and power electronics industry, particularly in thin film equipment manufacturing.
Essential Functions
1. Provide operational leadership. Lead and manage all aspects of the company's day-to-day operations, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality control, and customer service.
2. Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the company goals and that ensure efficiency, quality, and profitability. Collaborate with the management team to develop and implement plans for the operational and engineering infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the rapid growth objectives of our organization.
3. Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The complete operations team includes the engineering & design, manufacturing & inventory & S&R, and customer service components required to produce semiconductor thin film equipment and support our customers' successful operation of this equipment in the field.
4. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. Spearhead the development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processes.
5. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies.
6. Measure the effectiveness of all processes internal and external. Provide timely, accurate and complete reports on the operating and engineering environments of the company.
7. Implement the strategies set by the Board of Directors and the CEO.
8. Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the company.
9. Represent Forge with clients, investors, and business partners.
Competencies
1. Leadership and management in a high-tech manufacturing environment with oversight responsibility for multiple locations and operations.
2. Experience in the semiconductor industry and equipment manufacturing. Adaptable to thrive in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
3. Strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to drive long-term growth while meeting near term revenue targets.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities that allow in the moment decision making while focusing on continuous improvement.
5. Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and with an ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.
6. Business Acumen.
7. Financial Management.
Required Education and Experience
1. BS/MS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Operations or a related discipline. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in the semiconductor or power electronics industry, with a focus on thin film equipment manufacturing.
3. A minimum of 5 years of experience managing the entire operation of a smaller manufacturer.
4. Experience working on or managing an Engineering & design team.
5. Experience working in or managing customer service and/or field service for manufacturing tools or process equipment.
6. Familiar with and knowledgeable of surface modification processes and thin-film deposition techniques.
7. Knowledgeable of the processes and equipment used for semiconductor device fabrication including compound semiconductor and power devices.
8. 10+ years' experience with positive leadership and management skills, with demonstrated results in maximizing team performance in delivering successful products into the marketplace.
Preferred Education and Experience
1. Hands-on experience in an operations role in the semiconductor space.
2. Significant experience managing and leading teams.
3. Experience with Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Nano-Encapsulation technologies, or electrochemistry a plus.
4. Early stage / start-up experience is desired.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
1. Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning.
2. Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
3. Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission.
4. Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrable resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has overall supervisory responsibility for all corporate operations and engineering.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. When on the manufacturing floor, the employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work. On-site
Travel
This position requires up to 25% travel. As some travel will be international, a valid passport is required.
Compensation/Benefits
• Salary range is 150K – 250K depending on qualifications
• Medical/dental/vision/long term disability, life insurance with additional voluntary benefits such as hospital indemnity, short term disability and the opportunity to buy increased life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, potential for an annual cash bonus and 401(k) plan with employer match.
Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.