Senior Principal R&D Engineer (f/m/d)

Job Title

Senior Principal R&D Engineer (f/m/d)

Role Summary

Lead technical development and define long-term technology direction for high-voltage power semiconductor device platforms. Serve as a recognized subject-matter expert, lead complex development projects, resolve critical device and process challenges, and mentor R&D teams across device physics, TCAD, and process integration.

Experience Level

Senior - minimum 15 years of R&D experience in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing, with proven leadership of complex technology development efforts.

Responsibilities

Drive device and technology development from concept to production while providing technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

• Define technology roadmaps and long-term strategies for high-voltage power semiconductor platforms.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive opportunities.
• Lead complex development projects through concept, prototyping, qualification, and production release.
• Develop device concepts and architectures using TCAD and modeling tools.
• Resolve process integration, manufacturability, yield, and reliability issues.
• Run technical problem-solving workshops and design reviews; provide technical guidance to projects.
• Generate intellectual property via patents and technical publications.
• Mentor and develop R&D engineers across multiple semiconductor disciplines.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Applications teams and communicate risks and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support strategic customer engagements and advanced technology evaluations.

Requirements

Key technical and leadership requirements for successful candidates.

• Extensive hands-on experience with high-voltage (>1000V) IGBT and MOSFET device development and production.
• Deep expertise in device physics, TCAD simulation, process integration, reliability testing, and device characterization.
• Proven track record leading complex technology development and solving challenging technical problems in production environments.
• Experience in resolving yield, reliability, and process-related issues at scale.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and build technical capability within engineering teams.

• Nice-to-have: Experience with wide bandgap semiconductor technologies (e.g., SiC, GaN).

Education Requirements

PhD in Semiconductor Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline (as stated in the posting).

About the Company

Company: IXYS Semiconductor

Headquarters: Lampertheim, Germany

IXYS Semiconductor is a Lampertheim-based semiconductor business specializing in power semiconductors, discrete and integrated power devices for industrial, transportation and electronics applications. It operates as part of the Littelfuse group, providing reliability-focused component solutions and engineering support.