Director of Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director of Product Strategy Company: Elevate Semiconductor Location: San Diego, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Management / Semiconductor Strategy Date Posted: 2026-01-28 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the overarching product strategy and technology direction for Elevate Semiconductor's IC product portfolio.
• Drive market growth by identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities and innovative product concepts within the semiconductor test IC sector.
• Champion intellectual property development by authoring and publishing technical papers and actively driving patent creation to showcase Elevate's engineering innovation.
• Serve as a key technical spokesperson, representing Elevate's advanced solutions and thought leadership at industry conferences, customer engagements, and technical symposiums.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the product development lifecycle, from ideation to market launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant strategic influence, focusing on external representation and internal technical leadership. It requires a blend of deep technical acumen in semiconductor test ICs and strong communication skills to translate complex innovations into market opportunities. The emphasis on publications and patents suggests a high level of technical contribution and thought leadership is expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy that aligns with Elevate Semiconductor's mission to deliver world-class test ICs for automated test equipment (ATE).
• Identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to define new product requirements and opportunities for innovation in low-power, high-density solutions.
• Lead the ideation and definition of new product concepts, translating market insights into actionable product roadmaps that address the lowest possible cost of test.
• Author and submit technical papers to reputable industry journals and conferences, and actively collaborate with R&D to generate and protect intellectual property through patents.
• Represent Elevate Semiconductor as a subject matter expert at industry events, customer meetings, and technical forums, effectively communicating the value proposition of our advanced IC solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the Applications and Marketing teams, ensuring alignment with product strategy and driving technical excellence in customer support and market positioning.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Test Engineering, and Business Development teams to ensure product roadmaps are technically feasible, marketable, and aligned with long-term company objectives.
• Inspire and cultivate an organizational culture that prioritizes innovation, continuous learning, and proactive engagement with the semiconductor industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic, outward-facing role that requires deep technical expertise in the semiconductor test IC domain. The emphasis on publications, patents, and industry representation indicates a need for strong analytical and communication skills, alongside a proactive approach to market engagement and intellectual property development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent.
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) is highly preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in semiconductor product definition, applications engineering, or technical marketing roles.
• Demonstrated success in defining and launching complex semiconductor products.
• Proven ability to translate technical capabilities into market advantages and business value.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of IC design principles, semiconductor test methodologies, and customer application development within the ATE domain.
• Proven track record of authoring and publishing technical papers in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at industry conferences.
• Demonstrated experience in patent creation and intellectual property strategy within the semiconductor industry.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences (engineers, customers, executives).
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities for identifying market opportunities and defining product roadmaps.
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and driving consensus.
• Natural curiosity, creative problem-solving aptitude, and a passion for public representation of technology.

Preferred Skills:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent business acumen.
• Extensive experience in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) or related semiconductor test domains.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience, managing applications or marketing functions.
• Familiarity with low-power and high-density IC design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in electrical engineering and semiconductor product development, coupled with a proven ability to innovate and communicate effectively. The requirement for published papers and patents is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for candidates who are not only technically proficient but also active contributors to the broader engineering community.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Evidence of strategic product definition, showcasing how market needs were translated into product requirements and roadmaps.
• Examples of technical contributions that led to significant product advancements or market differentiation.
• Documentation or summaries of authored technical papers, highlighting key findings, methodologies, and impact.
• A list of granted patents, including their technical scope and significance to the semiconductor industry.
• Case studies demonstrating collaboration with Design, Test, and Business Development teams to achieve product launch success.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated understanding of the product development lifecycle for semiconductor ICs, from concept to market.
• Experience in defining and optimizing processes for technical content creation, including paper submissions and patent filings.
• Ability to articulate workflows for market analysis, opportunity identification, and product roadmap development.
• Familiarity with processes for fostering innovation and thought leadership within engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should showcase not just technical achievements, but also the strategic thinking and communication prowess required to influence product direction and represent the company externally. The emphasis on publications and patents means that candidates should be prepared to discuss their contributions in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $175,000.00 - $200,000.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Unlimited Paid Time Off to support work-life balance.
• Performance Incentives: Performance Bonuses tied to individual and company success.
• Equity Participation: Private Equity Options, offering a stake in the company's growth.
• Retirement Planning: Robust Retirement Plans to secure future financial well-being.
• Professional Development:
  • Sabbatical Program for extended leave and rejuvenation.
  • Tuition Reimbursement for continuing education and skill enhancement.
  • Conference Attendance Support for industry learning and networking.
• Work-Life Support:
  • Free Lunch Catered Daily by Local Restaurants.
  • Volunteer Days to contribute to the community.
  • Relocation Assistance for candidates moving to San Diego.
  • Biweekly Phone Stipend for communication expenses.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week.
• The nature of strategic leadership may require flexibility for critical deadlines and industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Director-level role in the semiconductor industry in a high-cost-of-living area like San Diego. The benefits package is exceptionally comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, reflecting a company culture that values its talent. The unlimited PTO and sabbatical program are particularly attractive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Semiconductor Technology - specializing in test Integrated Circuits (ICs) for Automated Test Equipment (ATE). Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of a Director-level role and benefits like Private Equity Options and a Sabbatical Program suggest a well-established, growth-oriented company, likely in the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category or a rapidly scaling startup. Founded: The company was founded with a mission to innovate in the semiconductor test IC market. (Specific founding date not provided, but context implies a focus on modern technology solutions).

Team Structure:

• The Director of Product Strategy will lead the Applications and Marketing teams, implying a direct reporting structure for these functions.
• This role will collaborate closely with Design, Test, and Business Development, indicating a matrixed or highly cross-functional operational structure.
• The emphasis on thought leadership and external representation suggests strong alignment and communication channels with executive leadership and R&D.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Innovation: The company focuses on delivering solutions that address complex ATE challenges by designing the lowest power, highest density ICs to achieve the lowest cost of test. This implies a strong reliance on technical data and performance metrics.
• Customer-Centric Development: The mission to "empower semiconductor and system test customers" indicates a focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through innovative solutions.
• Intellectual Property Generation: A core tenet of the company's strategy is to push boundaries through engineering innovation, as evidenced by the emphasis on technical papers and patents.

Company Website: https://www.elevatesemi.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Elevate Semiconductor positions itself as an innovator in a specialized niche of the semiconductor industry. The culture appears to be technically driven, focused on problem-solving, and geared towards high-impact innovation, supported by a strong benefits package. The "Director of Product Strategy" title, combined with leadership of Applications and Marketing, suggests a role that bridges deep technical expertise with market understanding and communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager within a Product Management or Technical Strategy function. It requires deep domain expertise and a proven ability to shape product direction and represent the company externally.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Product Strategy will likely report to a VP of Engineering, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or potentially a VP of Product. They will directly manage the Applications and Marketing teams.

Operations Impact: The Director's impact will be significant, directly influencing the company's product roadmap, market positioning, and intellectual property portfolio. Success in this role means driving revenue growth through strategic product innovation and establishing Elevate Semiconductor as a thought leader in the semiconductor test IC market. This role is critical for translating technical capabilities into commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into VP-level roles overseeing broader product portfolios or R&D functions, possibly leading to CTO or similar executive positions.
• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas of semiconductor test ICs, becoming a recognized industry authority.
• Business Acumen Development: Leveraging MBA preference or company support for further business education, potentially transitioning towards more commercial or general management roles.
• Mentorship and Team Building: Developing leadership skills by growing and mentoring the Applications and Marketing teams, building a high-performing unit.
• Broader Company Leadership: Contributing to overall company strategy and growth initiatives, potentially influencing M&A or strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial growth potential for individuals with a strong technical background and a desire to influence product strategy and market perception. The combination of direct team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and external representation provides a well-rounded development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies a traditional office environment where collaboration is key, especially with the mention of "onsite leadership" and "free lunch catered in." This suggests a hub for innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, United States. This location is a significant hub for the semiconductor and technology industries, offering access to talent and a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The role involves onsite leadership and collaboration with multiple departments (Design, Test, Business Development, Applications, Marketing), suggesting an environment that encourages open communication and teamwork.
• Technology-Rich Environment: As a semiconductor company, expect access to advanced engineering tools, labs, and resources necessary for product development and testing.
• Innovation Focus: The company's mission and the role's responsibilities point to a workspace that values creativity, problem-solving, and pushing technological boundaries.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the strategic nature of the role and the requirement for external representation (conferences, customer meetings) may necessitate flexibility. This could involve occasional travel and extended hours during critical project phases or event periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in San Diego suggests a preference for direct team engagement and a collaborative, innovation-driven culture. The benefits like catered lunches further support a positive and productive on-site work experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's strategic nature.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely VP of Engineering/CTO) focusing on technical depth, product strategy experience, and leadership potential.
• Technical Deep Dive / Panel Interview: Meeting with key stakeholders from Design, Test, Applications, and Marketing teams to evaluate technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, focusing on key publications, patents, product strategy contributions, and market impact. This is a critical component for this role.
• Executive Interview: Final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: For each item (paper, patent, product), clearly articulate the strategic importance and business impact. How did it contribute to market opportunity, competitive advantage, or cost reduction?
• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your publications and patents, explaining the challenges, methodologies, and innovations involved.
• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples that illustrate your ability to lead teams, influence roadmaps, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your product strategies and technical contributions (e.g., market share increase, cost reduction achieved, innovation adoption rate).
• Tailor to Elevate: Research Elevate Semiconductor's current product offerings, mission, and industry positioning. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your expertise aligns with their specific needs and strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case Study: Be ready to discuss how you would approach defining the product strategy for a new semiconductor test IC, considering market trends, customer needs, and competitive pressures.
• Technical Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to tackle a hypothetical technical challenge related to IC design, test, or application development, outlining your approach to resolution.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely, as this will be a key part of the interview and the role itself. Focus on storytelling and engaging your audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the candidate's ability to articulate their strategic thinking, technical contributions, and communication skills, particularly through a portfolio review. Candidates should prepare thoroughly to showcase their thought leadership and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools & Technologies (Inferred based on role and industry):

• Semiconductor Design & Simulation: Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics tools for IC design, verification, and simulation.
• EDA Tools: Electronic Design Automation software for chip layout, synthesis, and physical design.
• Semiconductor Test Equipment (ATE): Familiarity with major ATE platforms (e.g., Teradyne, Advantest) and their associated software/programming environments.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Tools for managing product data, revisions, and workflows.
• Market Research & Analysis Tools: Platforms for competitive analysis, market sizing, and trend identification.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports on market performance, product adoption, and sales forecasts.
• CRM Systems: Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar for managing customer interactions, sales pipelines, and marketing campaign data.
• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

Collaboration & Documentation:

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking product development tasks and team progress.
• Document Collaboration Platforms: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Confluence for shared documentation and knowledge management.
• Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for real-time team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role's focus on semiconductor ICs, product strategy, and market engagement implies a need for proficiency in a range of technical design/simulation software, ATE knowledge, market analysis tools, and standard business productivity suites.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Ingenuity: A core value driving the creation of low-power, high-density solutions and pushing the boundaries of ATE challenges.
• Technical Excellence: Commitment to rigorous engineering, detailed analysis, and high-quality product design.
• Customer Empowerment: A focus on delivering value and solving complex problems for semiconductor and system test customers.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on cross-functional partnerships to align product roadmaps and achieve common goals.
• Thought Leadership & Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of public contribution through technical papers and patents, fostering a culture of expertise.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with Design, Test, Business Development, Applications, and Marketing teams to ensure product success.
• Open Communication: Encouraging the clear articulation of complex technical ideas and market insights among team members.
• Proactive Engagement: A culture of actively seeking out new opportunities, anticipating market shifts, and driving innovation forward.
• Mentorship and Support: A leadership style that fosters growth and development within the Applications and Marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around technical innovation, customer focus, and collaborative problem-solving. The values align with a high-performing team that values expertise and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Advancements: The semiconductor industry evolves quickly; staying ahead of new technologies, design methodologies, and test requirements will be critical.
• Complex Market Dynamics: Navigating the competitive landscape of semiconductor test ICs requires deep market insight and strategic agility.
• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Ensuring that new product concepts are not only innovative but also manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet real customer needs.
• Communicating Complex Technologies: Effectively translating intricate technical details into compelling value propositions for diverse audiences.
• Driving Intellectual Property Strategy: Consistently identifying and securing patentable innovations in a competitive R&D environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Authority: Opportunity to become a recognized expert and thought leader in the specialized field of semiconductor test ICs through publications and conference presentations.
• Strategic Influence: Directly shaping the future product portfolio and market trajectory of a growing technology company.
• Leadership Development: Growing and mentoring direct reports, enhancing leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining deeper insights into design, test engineering, and business development processes.
• Access to Advanced Technologies: Working with cutting-edge semiconductor technologies and contributing to their development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are characteristic of high-growth technology companies, particularly in the competitive semiconductor sector. These challenges are directly tied to substantial learning and growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for identifying and validating new market opportunities for semiconductor products. How would you prioritize these opportunities for a company like Elevate Semiconductor?"
• "How do you approach developing a long-term product roadmap that balances innovation with market demands and engineering feasibility?"
• "Walk me through a successful technical paper or patent you authored. What was the core innovation, and what was its impact?"
• "Imagine a scenario where a key competitor launches a significantly disruptive product. How would you assess the threat and formulate a strategic response for Elevate's product portfolio?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Elevate Semiconductor's mission and its focus on low-power, high-density test ICs?"
• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and thought leadership within the Applications and Marketing teams?"
• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams (Design, Test, Business Development). What strategies do you employ to ensure effective collaboration and alignment?"
• "How do you measure the success of a product strategy and the impact of technical innovation on a company's business objectives?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by product lifecycle stage or by strategic theme (e.g., Innovation, Market Growth, IP Development).
• Tell a Story: For each key piece of work (paper, patent, product strategy initiative), frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the measurable outcome.
• Focus on Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "improved performance," say "achieved a 15% reduction in test time" or "opened up a new market segment that generated $X million in revenue."
• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides that highlight key data points, diagrams, or charts. Avoid overly text-heavy slides.
• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical details of your work and explain strategic decisions. Practice answering questions about trade-offs, challenges overcome, and alternative approaches considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and communication skills. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase their tangible contributions and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director of Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in semiconductor product definition, technical marketing, IC design, and ATE. Emphasize achievements related to product strategy, market identification, and technical publications/patents using keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile examples of your most impactful technical papers, patents, product strategy contributions, and case studies demonstrating cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss the strategic and technical significance of each.
• Research Elevate Semiconductor: Understand their mission, current product focus (low-power, high-density test ICs), and competitive landscape. Identify how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals.
• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.