Polar Semiconductor is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead customer-funded technology development, qualification, and manufacturing transfer programs. This role serves as the primary interface between customers, business development, engineering, operations, and executive leadership to ensure new technologies and products are successfully developed, transferred, launched, and ramped into production. The Program Manager is a critical asset to the organization, responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, managing program execution, mitigating risk, and ensuring commitments are achieved on time and within budget while supporting the company's revenue growth and profitability objectives.
The Role
- Serve as the primary program lead for customer technology development and technology transfer initiatives.
- Lead cross-functional teams spanning process engineering, equipment engineering, wafer integration, characterization, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations.
- Establish and manage integrated program schedules, technical milestones, budgets, risks, and customer deliverables.
- Drive technology readiness, qualification, and manufacturing transfer activities from concept through production release.
- Coordinate internal and external technical reviews and ensure alignment between customer requirements and execution plans.
- Develop and maintain risk registers, mitigation plans, action-item tracking, and executive-level reporting.
- Drive customer communication, expectations, and deliverables throughout the development lifecycle.
- Identify program risks early and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes.
- Support proposal development, statements of work, contract deliverables, business development activities, and customer visits.
- Manage scope changes, change control processes, and technology readiness assessments.
- Provide regular executive-level updates on program status, key risks, resource requirements, and customer commitments.
The Person
- Technical Program Manager with experience bridging engineering, manufacturing, operations, and customer organizations.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence and drive alignment without direct authority.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable engaging with customers, executive leadership, and technical subject matter experts.
- Demonstrated success leading complex new product introduction, technology development, qualification, or technology transfer programs.
- Ability to balance technical depth with strong commercial and customer-facing skills.
- Proven problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.
- Thrives in dynamic environments and effectively manages ambiguity, changing priorities, and multiple stakeholders.
- Passion for continuous improvement and delivering measurable business results.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Science, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of project or program management experience.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects in a technical or manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with project management tools, planning methodologies, and reporting systems.
- Strong communication, presentation, and customer relationship management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) in Engineering, Business, Physics, or a related field.
- 8+ years of program or project management experience in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or related industries.
- Experience managing semiconductor technology development, process qualification, manufacturing transfer, or NPI programs.
- Understanding of wafer fabrication processes, process integration, yield improvement, and qualification methodologies.
- Experience working with external customers, strategic technology partners, or government-funded development programs.
- Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
- Strong risk management, contract deliverable tracking, and customer relationship management skills.
- Familiarity with stage-gate development processes or similar program management frameworks.
- PMP certification or equivalent project/program management training.
- Experience managing customer-driven R&D, technology commercialization, or technology transfer programs.
Please note that this position may require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency status in the future depending on federal requirements.
What We Offer
Salary: The estimated base salary range for the position is $88,000-$170,000. The pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, job-related experience, skills and level of the position.
Benefits & Other Eligible Compensation: Includes health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, annual bonus, and tuition reimbursement.
Polar Semiconductor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
About Minneapolis/St. Paul Area
Our offices and manufacturing facility are located in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Living in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area offers a strong sense of community, a vibrant arts and music scene, and abundant outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts a lower cost of living than many major metros, excellent parks and lakes, and a well-educated workforce with diverse job opportunities. Its distinct seasons bring variety, from colorful autumns to lively summers filled with festivals and waterfront activities.
