Head of Strategic Applications
Research and Development
Burgess Hill
UK - United Kingdom
Hybrid
Full-time
11/9/26
Job Description

Your Role

Bring your curiosity to work as our new Head of Strategic Applications. You will be part of our Emerging Technologies team reporting to Alex Laue, VP, Emerging Technologies. In this role, your mission is to lead the development of application strategies for VTBA semiconductor products. This role focuses on translating future process challenges in wafer fabrication (front-end and back-end) into differentiated system solutions, enabling Edwards to capture value across key inflection points such as EUV lithography, advanced etch/deposition, and advanced packaging.

 

You will contribute directly to how we create high‑quality products and solutions for our customers. 

Your day-to-day

  • Define and drive Edwards’ semiconductor application strategy, identifying future technology trends, process inflections and market opportunities across advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Assess current and planned product portfolios, identifying performance gaps, competitive threats and emerging technologies that could impact future growth or render existing solutions obsolete.
  • Translate semiconductor roadmaps, process developments and customer requirements into product, technology and system integration opportunities across vacuum, abatement, thermal management and material delivery solutions.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with leading OEMs, fabs and industry partners, positioning Edwards as a trusted process-enablement partner and influencing next-generation tool specifications.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, R&D, Product Management, Sales and Service teams to shape product roadmaps, accelerate innovation and improve customer outcomes.
  • Monitor industry and competitive developments, represent Edwards at key industry forums and conferences, and drive business growth through design wins, strategic market expansion and adoption of high-value integrated solutions.
  • Develop organisational capability by leading a team of process application specialists and fostering deep semiconductor process expertise and an application-led mindset across the business.

Your skills and experience

  • Education level: Degree level or higher technical qualification – electrical, electronics, mechanical, Chemical, physics, systems engineering, mechatronics, digital processing or similar
  • Relevant Previous experience: 10+ years in Semiconductor manufacturing
  • Knowledge areas/Skills: Strong exposure to Wafer fab processes (etch, deposition, lithography, etc.)
  • Other requirements: Deep understanding of:
    • Vacuum technology in semiconductor processing
    • Gas chemistries and by-products
    • Process integration challenges
    • Ability to link: Process physics → equipment requirements → system design

 

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

Your job location

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing you to split your time between working remotely and being on-site at our GTC facility in Burgess Hill, UK.
 
While this is our preferred location for the role, we would also consider strong candidates based outside the UK, provided they are able to work on a hybrid basis from one of our Edwards sites and support effective collaboration with teams operating within UK time zones, such as locations in Taiwan, South Korea or the US.

 

Why it is great to work with us

Your career grows through your skills, your curiosity, and the people you work with. You join a global network where we learn from each other and share knowledge openly. We focus on long‑term development and encourage you to explore new ideas that help us move forward. Innovation is part of how we think and act – we test, improve, and use what we learn to create solutions that matter. You can make a meaningful impact by contributing with your insights and taking ownership of your work, supported by flexible ways of working and leaders who empower you. 

Application process

Our selection process includes interviews and, for some roles, skills assessments that help us gain a deeper understanding of your profile. We look forward to getting to know you, learning about your strengths, and discussing how you can grow with us. If you have questions during the process or need support, please contact us:

Hiring Manager: Alex Laue

Uniting curious minds

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we are uniting curious minds, and you could be one of them.

Information at a Glance

Edwards is a leader in the vacuum and abatement markets. The brand’s products are essential for industries such as semiconductor, power generation, chemical and food processing. Edwards believes in working with customers to set new standards and creating environments where innovation thrives. This trailblazer prides itself on making a difference in areas that are intrinsic to people’s everyday lives – from the medical care they receive to the coffee they drink. Wherever there is vacuum, Edwards can also be found, leading the way. Edwards is a brand within Atlas Copco Group.

→ Visit the Edwards website

Uniting curious minds

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we are uniting curious minds, and you could be one of them.

Employment type:  Full-time
Job type:  Hybrid
Posting End Date:  11/9/26
Functional area:  Research and Development
Legal Entity:  Edwards Ltd
Country/Region: 
City / Province:  Burgess Hill