Director, Quality

About the company

Lam Research is a worldwide leader in designing and producing advanced wafer fabrication equipment. Its technologies play a key role in the semiconductor industry and support the creation of the microchips used in devices such as smartphones and AI data centers. The organization places strong emphasis on innovation, accuracy, and high standards.

The selected professional will head the Quality function for Lam Manufacturing Malaysia, which operates within a global manufacturing organization.

Role impact

This is a senior quality leadership position with direct influence on product dependability, customer experience, and the company’s reputation in the market. The role covers the full quality landscape, including routine sustaining work, urgent customer escalations, and ongoing improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS). The leader is expected to build and reinforce a quality-first mindset across the business so that products consistently meet the demanding requirements of the semiconductor sector.

Key responsibilities

The Factory Quality Director will lead the Quality Assurance department and oversee the development, execution, and upkeep of quality systems and processes for the company’s products. The goal is to deliver best-in-class quality for every system shipped to customers.

This high-visibility position calls for a seasoned leader with strong experience in structured problem solving, customer escalation management, cross-functional coordination, data analysis, Lean Six Sigma, and people leadership/coaching.

What you will do

• Define, drive, and communicate a long-range quality strategy and roadmap aligned with wider business goals.
• Own the QMS and keep it continuously improved, with compliance to ISO 9001 and semiconductor customer-specific requirements.
• Plan and lead internal, external, customer, and regulatory quality audits, then ensure corrective actions are completed effectively and on time.
• Create and track quality KPIs, and report trends, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of quality engineers, analysts, and technicians.
• Build a culture of ongoing improvement, ownership, and collaboration within QA and across Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Oversee staffing, development planning, and performance management across the quality organization.
• Manage non-conforming product control, SCAR, and CAPA workflows.
• Act as the final escalation point for critical customer quality concerns and ensure a fast, thorough, professional response.
• Set up and run an effective 8D or similar problem-solving system for customer complaints, with strong root-cause analysis and recurrence prevention.

Preferred qualifications

The role is best suited to someone with an engineering background and extensive quality leadership experience, ideally in capital equipment and semiconductor-related environments. The company is also seeking strong statistical and problem-solving capabilities, along with the confidence to communicate complex matters to executives and customers.

Equal opportunity and workplace commitment

Lam Research says it values inclusion and aims to create an environment where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. The company states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics under applicable laws.

Work location model

The company uses different work-location models depending on the role. Hybrid arrangements may include on-site work with flexibility to work remotely. On-site Flex roles involve 3 or more days per week on site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the rest remote. Virtual Flex roles typically require 1 to 2 days per week on site, with remote work for the remainder of the week.

Additional information

The position is for Lam Manufacturing Malaysia, which sits within Global Manufacturing Operations. The role is focused on maintaining world-class quality standards for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Required background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or a related discipline.
• At least 12 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering.
• Minimum 7 years in a senior leadership or management capacity.
• Prior experience in a capital equipment company, ideally in semiconductor equipment or a closely related industry.
• Strong working knowledge of quality systems with ISO 9001 experience.
• Advanced problem-solving experience using methods such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
• Exposure to new product transfer and qualification processes.
• Solid statistical analysis capability, including SPC, MSA, and capability studies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, including the ability to present technical issues clearly to executives and customers.

Work style and leadership expectations

The ideal candidate will bring sharp analytical thinking, disciplined execution, and a collaborative leadership style. Strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage teams in continuous improvement are essential.