We are seeking a Director, Engineering Project Management for our Systems Business in Irvine, CA to lead the strategy, structure, staffing, governance, and execution of cross-functional initiatives—including the Product Development Process (PDP) and Quality Improvement—within MKS’ matrixed organization. This role partners closely with senior leadership, internal and external stakeholders, and customers to deliver business-critical outcomes while strengthening project management capabilities and driving continuous improvement across the organization.
You will make an impact by:
Lead and develop a high-performing Project Management organization by fostering a strong culture, building talent, and coaching teams to perform at their best.
Drive execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and consistent delivery against scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets.
Scale and enhance the Product Development Process (PDP) through clear standards, governance, and best practices that enable efficient, repeatable execution across global teams.
Implement project management tools, methodologies, and operating rhythms that improve planning, visibility, and decision-making.
Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional teams; both in Irvine and across global MKS locations to align on priorities and objectives.
Lead customer-facing execution by proactively managing risk and driving successful outcomes for complex initiatives.
Skills You Bring:
Education & Technical Foundation: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field required; advanced technical degree preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered. Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
Executive Leadership & Organizational Impact: Proven high-level leadership delivering results through teams; ability to build and develop talent, influence across a matrixed organization, and partner effectively with senior leaders to drive alignment and decisions.
Experience in High-Tempo Environments: 15+ years of experience in fast-paced, technically complex environments (e.g., product development, manufacturing, or R&D), with a track record of delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Product Development & Technical Domain Experience: Experience with product development for complex systems or capital equipment; background in optics, lasers, photonics, or related technologies is a plus.
Transformation & Operational Excellence: Proven ability to improve processes, establish scalable ways of working, and implement governance that enables consistent, efficient execution.
Execution, Influence & Customer Engagement: Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, lead global teams, manage risk, and engage directly with customers.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Ability to travel domestically and internationally (<10%).
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $230,000 - $275,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
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