Job Description

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

We are seeking a Senior Director, R&D to serve as the senior technical leader for our Power Semiconductor Business Unit, driving innovation and execution across power semiconductor devices and modules, including MOSFETs, IGBTs, thyristors, diodes, wide‑bandgap SiC/GaN devices, power modules, and stacks. This role leads a single, unified, global R&D organization spanning chip/device R&D, packaging and module engineering, advanced technology development, and a directly reporting Project Management Office (PMO). The Senior Director, R&D, is accountable for technology strategy, new product development, and the building of world‑class engineering and program management capabilities.

The Senior Director, R&D will drive the evolution of the global R&D organization through scalable operating models, strengthened PMO capabilities, and disciplined execution while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

About the job:

• Define and execute the multi‑year Power Semiconductor R&D strategy and technology roadmap, in close partnership with Product Management and business leadership.

• Drive differentiation through application-driven innovation in power semiconductor device and process technologies, advanced power packaging, module integration, and next‑generation development methodologies.

• Lead all R&D functions under a single, integrated organization, including chip/device R&D, packaging and module R&D, advanced technology development, and the PMO.

• Evolve and strengthen the global R&D operating model, organizational structure, and engineering effectiveness through scalable development processes, consistent engineering methodologies, technical rigor, and strong execution discipline across globally distributed teams.

• Strengthening PMO capabilities with robust portfolio governance, transparent resource planning, milestone management, execution transparency and proactive risk management.

• Own end-to-end new product development, from concept through high-volume production release.

• Ensure predictable delivery to performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule targets.

• Establish clear technical and program milestones, rigorous design reviews, qualification plans, and first-pass success metrics.

• Anticipate and manage technical risk through strong DFMEA, design‑for‑manufacturing, and design‑for‑test practices.

• Partner with Product Management and business leadership to translate market, customer and application requirements into executable R&D programs—aligning scope, tradeoffs, priorities and decision-making processes.

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturing readiness, yield performance and scalable production capability.

• Work with internal frontend and backend manufacturing sites, foundries, OSATs, and external technology partners to support process development, qualification, industrialization and production ramp activities.

• Support strategic customer engagements and key design‑win initiatives in collaboration with Sales, Marketing and Applications teams.

• Build, develop, and retain top global engineering and program management talent.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, execution excellence and collaboration.

• Develop future technical and people leaders through coaching, succession planning, and capability building.

About you:

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related fields.

• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor or power electronics R&D, with a strong track record of leading complex technology and product development programs from concept to high-volume production.

• Leadership: Proven success leading large, global engineering organizations, including managers of managers, across multiple sites and disciplines. Demonstrated ability to evolve organizational structures, strengthen engineering capabilities, and build high-performing teams aligned with business and technology priorities.

• Strong understanding of power semiconductor device technologies, fabrication processes, packaging technologies, qualification requirements and high-volume manufacturing operations.

• Demonstrated ability to drive complex, multi‑site development programs with predictable execution, strong development governance, and cross-functional coordination.

• Track record of effective partnership with Product Management, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing and Supply Chain; strong executive‑level communication and influencing skills.

• Comfort operating in matrixed, international environments with globally distributed engineering and manufacturing teams.

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At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.