Head of Foundry in Bristol

The Head of Foundry owns fabrication reality. This role exists to ensure that what we design can actually be fabricated at yield, at scale, and without surprises.

The role as Head of Foundry includes:

• Accountability for process truth.
• Ownership of foundry relationships, process flows, yield, risk, and execution.
• Leading foundry meetings.
• Micromanaging details because details determine success.
• Being technically deep, obsessively prepared, and unafraid to push back.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when required.

What you’ll do:

• Foundry ownership & execution: Own all external MEMS, PIC, and ASIC foundry relationships; lead agenda-driven, data-driven, decision-oriented foundry meetings; translate R&D intent into foundry-ready process flows; own tape-out readiness from a process and yield risk perspective; flag, quantify, and elevate unacceptable yield or reliability risks early.
• Process engineering & risk: Own full process flows and understand every major process module, including lithography, etching, deposition, bonding, TSVs, implantation, capping, wafer-level and die-level packaging, flip-chip, wire bonding, routing, pad exposure, and dicing. Understand typical defects, failure modes, and yield limiters for MEMS and PIC processes. Drive process optimisation using structured DOE planning and execution, SPC, process capability analysis, PFMEA, 5-Why, and 8D root-cause analysis.
• Metrology & analysis (hands-on): Personally perform or directly interpret SEM, FIB, optical microscopy, profilometry, and ellipsometry. Correlate metrology results with process steps, models, and yield data. Be able to say why something failed - not just that it failed.
• Modelling, tools & automation: Use and understand FEM and process simulation tools, virtual cleanroom/process emulation software, KLayout, and PDK-related process rules and checks. Perform analytical pen-and-paper calculations to sanity-check foundry outputs. Write Python for data analysis, yield tracking, process monitoring, and automation of checks and reporting.
• Internal collaboration: Work closely with the Head of R&D to understand architectural intent and early risk, and the Head of Engineering to stabilise, scale, and lock processes. Communicate clearly and asynchronously - written updates are expected, not optional. Be a constant source of process clarity, not noise.

Required background:

• Direct experience working inside a MEMS foundry.
• At least 2 years in a project or process lead/manager role.
• Taken a MEMS product from concept through high-volume production in a fabless company.
• Deep MEMS process expertise, with working knowledge of PIC and ASIC processes.
• Hands-on metrology experience (SEM and related tools).
• Ability to perform first-principles hand calculations, FEM/process simulation, and Python scripting for analysis and automation.
• Exceptional organisation and preparation skills.

How this role fits:

• Reports directly to the CEO.
• Can block tape-out due to yield risk.
• External owner of manufacturing readiness.
• Works closely with Engineering and R&D.

Who this role is for:

• Someone who hates surprises.
• Someone who enjoys digging into process corners.
• Someone who sees suppliers as engineering problems.
• Someone relentless about preparation and truth.

What success looks like:

• Tape-outs happen without surprises.
• Process risks, yield limiters, and corner cases are identified before wafers are released.
• Yield and performance are explainable.
• Variations in device behaviour can be traced back to specific process steps, parameters, or interactions - with evidence, not guesses.
• Foundries are tightly managed and deeply prepared.
• Foundry meetings are efficient, technical, and outcome-driven.
• External partners know that vague answers will be challenged and that data is expected.
• Clear process ownership exists internally.
• Failure modes are surfaced early and aggressively.
• Process improvements are deliberate and measured.
• Metrology drives decisions.
• Engineering and R&D trust the process data.
• The organisation stops lying to itself about manufacturability.
• Risk is quantified.
• Trade-offs are explicit.
• Scaling feels controlled, not fragile.

Working with us:

• Compensation: Our framework is built on fairness and transparency, with regular reviews to reflect growth and performance.
• Benefits: Share options, pension, and private medical insurance.
• Culture: A deep-tech rocketship backed by leading investors. We’re building breakthrough technology with real commercial impact. Pace is high. Standards are higher.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to our mission, and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.