Job Description

The Program Manager (PM) in ESBU owns end‑to‑end execution of customer‑funded engineering systems programs, from demand signal through delivery, installation, and customer acceptance. The role combines technical program management, operational execution, supplier coordination, and cross‑BU governance. The PM is accountable for delivering complex test cell and insertion solutions on time, to quality, and with clear ownership across Advantest and its partners. This is a delivery‑owning execution role, not a coordination‑only PM position.

Key Responsibilities

End‑to‑End Program Ownership

• Own full lifecycle execution of ESBU programs:
  
  • Forecast and demand alignment
  • Ordering and BOM readiness
  • Manufacturing, system integration, and assembly
  • Shipment, installation, and customer buy‑off
• Act as the single point of accountability for ESBU delivery commitments.

Forecast, Demand & Delivery Alignment

• Drive monthly demand planning and delivery plans for ESBU‑owned systems.
• Align Business Development/ Sales FCST, customer CRDs, and operational readiness (CRD vs. SSD vs. “ready‑for‑test”).
• Establish predictable execution of cadence and transparency across stakeholders.

Cross‑Functional & Global Coordination

• Lead execution across globally distributed teams, including:
  
  • ESBU engineering (HW, SW, system integration)
  • Product Units (e.g., V93k PU)
  • Operations and logistics
  • Field Service and installation
• Navigate time zone, cultural, and organizational differences while driving alignment, ownership, and timely decision‑making.
• Participate in ESBU staff meetings to align execution priorities and resolve ownership gaps.

Supplier & Partner Program Management

• Coordinate execution across multiple external suppliers and partners.
• Align delivery plans, capacity assumptions, changes, risks, and mitigations.
• Drive escalation and resolution jointly with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Ordering, BOM & Process Governance

• Own ESBU execution processes for:
  
  • BOM definition and approval
  • Ordering workflows and approvals
  • Handover to operations and logistics
• Ensure processes are clearly defined, scalable, and consistently followed
• Identify and close process gaps impacting execution.

KPI, Risk & Issue Management

• Define, track, and drive execution of KPIs (schedule adherence, readiness, system quality at handover).
• Proactively identify risks across supply, integration, ownership, and execution.
• Lead mitigation planning and escalate decisively when required.

Executive, Customer & Stakeholder Communication

• Provide clear, fact‑based program status to ESBU leadership.

• Prepare inputs for:
  
  • Monthly ESBU manufacturing and execution updates
  • Strategic Program Reviews (SPR) and roadmap discussions
  • Executive escalation forums
• Support customer‑facing communication related to ESBU execution when needed.

Qualifications

Experience

• Proven experience delivering complex, cross‑functional, globally distributed programs.
• Strong background in system‑driven environments (HW + SW).
• Demonstrated ownership of execution under schedule, resource, and stakeholder pressure.
• Prior experience working in a truly international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and effectively manage cultural differences in communication, decision‑making, escalation, and execution across regions.

Core Skills

• Strong execution and accountability mindset.
• Ability to facilitate deep technical discussions and drive decisions without direct authority.
• High cultural awareness and adaptability when working across regions and functions.
• Clear, structured communication with senior leadership and customers.
• Self‑motivated, resilient, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.

Preferred

• Semiconductor / ATE industry experience.
• Background in engineering services, insertion programs, or first‑of‑kind system delivery.
• Experience working with teams in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies.

What Success Looks Like

• ESBU forecasts, delivery plans, and execution remain aligned and predictable.
• Clear ownership exists across ESBU, Product Units, Operations, and Field Service.
• Risks driven by supply, integration, or cultural misalignment are identified early and mitigated.
• Customers receive systems as committed, without last‑minute escalation.
• Leadership has one trusted, consistent view of ESBU execution status.

Why This Role Is Hard

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, suppliers, product units, and customers, across multiple regions and cultures.

Programs are often first‑of‑kind, customer‑funded, and executed under incomplete information, while expectations remain high and timelines aggressive. Success requires balancing execution discipline with flexibility, driving clarity where ownership is ambiguous, and navigating cultural differences without slowing delivery. The Program Manager must lead through influence, not authority, and make decisions with real business and customer impact.

About Advantest

Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world's largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees.

Our Purpose & Values:
Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation.
Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain.

Core Values:
I- Innovation is our Lifeblood
N- Number One is Our Aspiration
T- Trust is our Foundation
E- Empowerment is Our Motivation
G- Global is our Reach
R- Respect is our Heart
I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment
T- Teamwork is our Approach
Y- Yes is Our Attitude

Why Join Us

At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We're looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You'll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact.

We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

Benefits Overview

* Global Bonus Program: Performance-based bonuses paid twice yearly.
* 401(k) Plan: Pre-tax retirement savings with company match.
* Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple plan options including HMO, PPO, and HSA.
* Income Protection: Life, disability, and accident insurance at no cost.
* Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care options.
* Employee Assistance Program: Free support for personal and work-related issues.
* Flexible Time Off: Accrual starts at hire, increases with service.
* Paid Holidays: 13 company holidays annually.

Salary Range

Bay Area Target Salary Range: $157,150- $242,900 DOE

State of California Development

EEO Statement

EEO Statement
Advantest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Advantest to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

The Advantest Way - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Advantest, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We are continuing to build a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging through our DE&I programs & initiatives. We strive to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace to enable us to attract and retain candidates that feel a sense of purpose and empowerment. Our commitment to DE&I is unwavering and we are steadfast in our mission to continuously foster an environment of respect, trust and transparency. We value diversity and inclusion and believe employees of all backgrounds contribute to our ongoing success. At Advantest, we celebrate and support the needs of our employees regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex and sexual orientation. DE&I at Advantest is more than words to us, they are the Advantest Way.