Job Scope:
The VP of Engineering, Asia will serve as a key member of the regional leadership team and will be responsible for driving engineering excellence across all manufacturing and technical operations within Asia. This role will oversee multi-site engineering organizations including Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Product Engineering, Test Engineering, Automation Engineering, NPI (New Product Introduction), Industrial Engineering, and Continuous Improvement functions.
The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in scaling manufacturing capabilities, improving operational efficiency, implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives, enhancing product quality, and strengthening customer engineering partnerships.
This executive will collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Commercial, and Global Customer teams to ensure successful execution of customer programs and long-term business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Engineering Leadership
- Define and execute regional engineering strategy aligned with corporate objectives
- Lead engineering transformation initiatives supporting growth, automation, and smart manufacturing
- Develop long-term technology roadmaps for manufacturing and engineering capabilities
- Establish engineering KPIs, operational targets, and performance management systems
- Drive engineering standardization across all Asia manufacturing sites
Manufacturing & Process Engineering
- Oversee all manufacturing engineering functions including SMT, PCB assembly, box-build, and system integration
- Improve manufacturing throughput, efficiency, yield, and cost optimization
- Lead process development and validation activities for new and existing products
- Ensure robust engineering support for high-mix, low-volume and high-volume manufacturing environments
- Drive manufacturing scalability to support regional business expansion
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead cross-functional NPI execution from prototype to mass production
- Ensure smooth product transfer and manufacturing readiness
- Collaborate with customers on DFM (Design for Manufacturability), DFT (Design for Test), and process optimization
- Reduce NPI cycle time while maintaining quality and delivery targets
Automation & Industry 4.0
- Drive factory automation initiatives and smart manufacturing implementation
- Lead deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies including:
- MES systems
- Robotics and automation
- AI-driven manufacturing analytics
- Predictive maintenance systems
- Real-time production monitoring
- Improve operational visibility using data-driven engineering approaches
Quality & Compliance
- Partner with Quality teams to strengthen manufacturing quality systems
- Support compliance with ISO, IPC, automotive, medical, and customer-specific standards
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives
- Ensure engineering compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
Customer & Business Partnership
- Serve as executive engineering interface for strategic customers
- Support business development activities and technical capability presentations
- Participate in customer audits, technical reviews, and escalation management
- Build strong customer confidence through engineering excellence and execution
Leadership & Talent Development
- Build and mentor high-performing regional engineering teams
- Develop engineering leadership pipeline and succession planning
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Strengthen organizational capability through coaching and technical development programs
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
- Master's Degree or MBA preferred
Experience
- Minimum 15 years of engineering experience within Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), electronics manufacturing, or advanced industrial manufacturing
- Minimum 10 years in senior engineering leadership roles
- Proven experience leading regional or multi-site engineering organizations across Asia
Strong background in:
- SMT and PCB assembly
- Manufacturing process optimization
- Automation engineering
- Lean manufacturing
- Product industrialization
- NPI management
- Operational excellence
Technical Competencies
- Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing technologies and production systems
- Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and smart factory initiatives
- Familiarity with ERP, MES, PLM, and manufacturing analytics systems
- Experience with ISO 13485, IATF 16949, IPC standards, or regulated manufacturing environments is highly desirable
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capability
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to lead large cross-functional and multicultural teams
- Strong customer engagement and executive presentation capabilities
- Proven track record in organizational transformation and change management
