Job Description

President – Leading Innovator in High-Performance Scientific Materials Manufacturing – Puget Sound, WA

Acumen Executive Search is proud to partner with highly technical, scientific materials manufacturer, north of Seattle, WA to find their next entrepreneurial President who wants to impact the future of science and technology. This is a newly created position due to a planned retirement.

The organization is a 50-year-old industry leader: a highly specialized manufacturing company deeply embedded and supporting breakthroughs in computing/semiconductors, space exploration, biomedical, and advanced research industries. Their products are the gold standard for their reliability, quality, and precision, the company is distinguished as the market leader due to their unmatched expertise and state-of-the-art technology with nearly 100% market share across industries.

Their location in the Puget Sound region boasts top-tier schools and is a paradise for sailing, whale watching, and seaplane enthusiasts with a stunning waterfront location.

Their clientele includes scientists, PhDs, and researchers working in sectors such as semiconductors, space exploration, and top-tier global research institutions. The company is poised for growth, particularly in the semiconductor industry, and seeks a President who can help develop a formal strategy to capitalize on this opportunity.

With a culture that is cohesive, supportive, and self-directed, the employees enjoy strong camaraderie and a positive work environment.

If you:

• Thrive in a culture of respect, stability, and long-term retention.
• Have an entrepreneurial orientation with experience leading mid-sized companies through strategic growth.
• Have a track record of mentoring and developing a mid-sized team.
• Exhibit effective interpersonal skills with the ability to create an environment for sustained growth and change.
• Are skilled at implementing lean processes and improving efficiencies

Then this may be the next exciting career-growth opportunity for you!

The President’s Role:

The President will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing operations, and developing innovation and growth strategies to continue to position the organization as a dominant player in the semiconductor, space, biotech, and other scientific research industries. This role requires a strong leader who can integrate processes, improve efficiency, and build relationships with key stakeholders to drive business expansion.

The President will work closely with the Owner, senior management, and employees to create a vision for the future while maintaining the company’s core strengths in quality, precision, and reliability. Given the highly technical nature of the products, an engineering or PhD background is preferred (but not required) with a track record of driving successful commercialization in semiconductors, space, biotech, scientific materials, or other precision high-tech manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Develop and execute a clear growth strategy to expand business opportunities in the semiconductor, space/aerospace, and/or other scientific research sectors. Identify new business opportunities and establish long-term strategic partnerships.
• Operational Excellence: Implement strong procedures and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track yield, on-time deliveries, and overall efficiency. Ensure data-driven decision-making.
• Business Development: Lead customer relations and sales efforts, expanding their presence beyond its existing network. Proactively engage with current and potential clients, including key players in semiconductor, scientific, and biomedical research.
• Financial Oversight: Maintain current financial health, ensuring profitability while making strategic investments for sustainable growth. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Leadership & People Development: Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Strengthen hiring processes to build a robust team and address labor pool challenges.
• Market Expansion: Position company as the preferred supplier in the evolving semiconductor market. Develop strategies to outpace emerging competitors.
• Integration of Processes: Establish strong organizational structures, optimize manufacturing processes, and enhance CRM usage (Salesforce) for better customer and operational management.
• Board & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the Owner and potential investors to ensure alignment on growth objectives and succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree in materials science, mechanical, electrical, optical, or chemical engineering; nanotechnology; applied physics; photonics (or similar) preferred; MBA a plus.
• Experience: 7+ years of executive leadership experience in semiconductor, aerospace, biotech, or other precision high-tech manufacturing.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required due to regulatory/compliance needs.
• Skills:
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, drive business development, manage complex projects, and lead diverse scientific and engineering teams.
• Experience in semiconductor, aerospace, and/or biotech market dynamics and guiding technology strategy - a plus.
• Experience developing and implementing KPIs, operational efficiencies and improvements, and structured hiring processes.
• Proven experience in managing P&L and driving financial results in a manufacturing business.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in implementing ERP systems, CRMs, financial reporting tools, and other business software applications.
• Experience with QuickBooks Desktop.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Visionary leader with a passion for innovation and state-of-the-art technology.
• Proven track record of growing a company and/or leading a company to successful exit while navigating competitive landscapes.
• Expertise in the semiconductor, aerospace, biotech or other scientific precision manufacturing.
• Skilled in leading technical teams and engaging with PhDs/scientific customers.
• Experience integrating business processes to improve efficiency and profitability.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Potential for equity/stock.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to shape the future of an established, mission-driven company that supports breakthroughs in computing, space exploration, and biotechnology.

This role is a highly compelling opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to take full ownership of a growing company’s operations and success. If you are passionate about driving results, building high-performing teams, and ensuring customer satisfaction, we encourage you to apply.

To apply or see our other positions available, please go to Acumen Executive Search to submit a brief cover letter and resume indicating your interest in the opportunity. If our current open positions are not the right fit for you and you would like us to share relevant opportunities, please send your resume and a brief cover letter to info@AcumenESearch.com.

Established in 2007, Acumen is recognized as the leading certified woman-owned Executive Search and Advisory Partner in the Pacific Northwest with a global clientele. We deliver high-impact results and higher than national average retention rates while nurturing genuine long-term relationships. Acumen works shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to deliver customized, meaningful, and proven leadership solutions that empower organizational success.

Keywords: President, CEO, Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, Business Development, Operations, GM, Chief Operations Officer, COO, CCO, Chief Commercial Officer, Business Development, Manufacturing, Precision Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, EUVL, EUV, Scientific Materials, Biomedical Research, Space, Aerospace, Semiconductors, Biotech, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Growth Strategies, Strategic Execution, Revenue, Growth, M&A, Relationship Management, Profitability, Brand Positioning, P&L, Industry Presence, ROI, Innovation, Commercialization, Diversification, Optics, Photonics