Principal Research Engineer, Smart Operation And Planning (Fab), Ime

Principal Research Engineer, Smart Operation and Planning (FAB), IME

Agency for Science, Technology and Research – Queenstown

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement and implementing smart factory initiatives.

This individual will spearhead the transformation of our operations systems, ensuring they are agile, data-driven, and efficient.

The role encompasses end-to-end ownership of Industrial Engineering (IE), Operations Planning & Control, Cleanroom layout efficiency, Operations Process Optimization, and Workforce Training & Development.

Key Responsibilities

Champion the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT, AI / ML, Data Analytics, AMRs, and Digital Twins.

Develop and drive a strategic roadmap to digitize and automate manufacturing processes, improving visibility, predictability, and control.

Oversee the time studies, workload analysis, and capacity modelling using digital tools.

Utilize data analytics to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste (using Lean / Six Sigma principles), and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Lead the design and optimisation of shopfloor layouts for maximum efficiency, flow, and flexibility.

Plan and execute tool rearrangements or new line installations / relocation with minimal operations disruption.

Establish and optimise standard operating procedures (SOPs), standard times, and operations standards.

Ownership for key performance indicators (KPIs) such as wafer move, DPML, On-Time Delivery, Schedule Attainment.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen) to enhance productivity, quality, safety and operational excellence.

Develop and implement a comprehensive training curriculum to upskill the workforce for the smart factory environment internally across all departments for fab introduction and externally to support IHLs programs.

Co-work and partner with Program teams and APMs to enable wafer moves to meet timeline and develop automation flow to enable faster speed.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Preferable 10+ years of experience in the semiconductor environment, proven records in Industrial Engineering, Production Control, Facility Layout, and Operations Management.

Strong leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to influence and align technical and executive stakeholders.

Preferable experience in leading smart manufacturing or digital transformation projects, strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Preferable experience in a greenfab or brownfab expansion / ramp environment.

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