Research Development Section Head Full Time

Section Head of R&D – Silicon Wafering Technology

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced technology leader to drive the research, development, and industrialization of shaping and wafering technologies for single-crystal silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) solar applications. The role is responsible for delivering the organization’s technology roadmap and cost reduction roadmap while fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and operational impact.

The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and researchers, develop next-generation manufacturing technologies, and ensure seamless transfer of innovations into high-volume manufacturing (HVM). This position plays a critical role in strengthening the company’s competitive advantage through process innovation, yield enhancement, productivity improvement, and intellectual property development.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute the technology roadmap aligned with business growth objectives and cost competitiveness targets.
• Lead research and development initiatives focused on silicon shaping and wafering technologies for PV solar applications.
• Create and sustain an innovation-driven environment that encourages breakthrough thinking, continuous improvement, and future technology development.
• Drive the identification, evaluation, and implementation of emerging technologies to maintain industry leadership.

Process Development & Engineering Excellence

• Guide engineering teams in optimizing shaping and wafering processes to improve process capability, yield, throughput, quality, and cost.
• Identify, monitor, and control critical process parameters impacting manufacturing performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving activities for process deviations, quality issues, and equipment-related challenges.
• Utilize data-driven methodologies to develop engineering solutions supporting process control, quality assurance, customer complaint resolution, and operational excellence.
• Establish robust process control plans and ensure successful technology transfer to manufacturing operations.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead a portfolio of R&D and technology development projects with clear alignment to business value creation.
• Assess project risks, opportunities, resource requirements, and expected returns to optimize investment decisions.
• Ensure timely execution of projects while balancing short-term operational improvements with long-term technology advancement.
• Provide regular technical updates, reports, and presentations to senior management and key stakeholders.

People Leadership & Capability Building

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technical specialists.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Attract, retain, and develop top engineering talent to strengthen organizational capability.
• Design and implement training programs to enhance technical competencies across the organization.

Manufacturing & Commercial Impact

• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to successfully industrialize new technologies.
• Drive innovations that positively impact revenue growth, cost reduction, productivity, and product performance.
• Support smooth transitions from development to high-volume manufacturing through robust qualification and deployment processes.

Intellectual Property & Technical Leadership

• Actively contribute to the generation, protection, and expansion of the organization’s intellectual property portfolio.
• Publish technical reports, document learnings, and establish best practices across the organization.
• Represent the company as a subject matter expert in silicon wafer manufacturing technologies.

Qualifications

Mandatory

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech.)

Preferred

• Master’s Degree (M.Tech./M.S.) or Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Semiconductor Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in solar PV or semiconductor silicon wafer manufacturing, process development, or technology development.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering, technology, or R&D teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading technology development programs from concept through commercialization and manufacturing deployment.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical expertise in shaping, slicing, and wafering of single-crystalline and/or multicrystalline silicon.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor or photovoltaic manufacturing processes.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate technology opportunities into business value.
• Proven leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strong project and portfolio management skills.
• Excellent analytical and data-driven problem-solving abilities.
• Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Inclusive leadership style with a strong focus on people development and organizational growth.

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to global manufacturing environments and international project execution.
• Experience in scaling technologies from laboratory development to high-volume manufacturing.
• Track record of innovation, patents, or intellectual property creation.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and Industry 4.0 practices.