Section Manager Operation R&D Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Section Manager Operation R&D Prototyping

Company: AT&S

Location: Leoben, Styria, Austria

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / R&D Operations

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage R&D prototyping operations, ensuring alignment with AT&S's innovation and technology roadmap.

• Drive operational excellence within the R&D Line, encompassing people leadership, equipment responsibility, and cross-functional coordination.

• Oversee the timely production and delivery of R&D prototypes and fulfill internal/external prototyping requests.

• Manage R&D projects, taking ownership of budget, resources, timelines, and intellectual property.

• Act as a key interface for internal and external stakeholders, representing AT&S in technical and project discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within R&D operations, focusing on the critical phase of prototyping. It requires a blend of technical expertise in process engineering, leadership acumen for team management, and project management skills to ensure successful execution of R&D initiatives. The emphasis is on operational efficiency and timely delivery of advanced prototypes for high-end IC substrates and PCBs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the R&D Line Operation team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation and efficiency.

• Plan, control, and optimize R&D line operations, meticulously considering resource allocation, cycle times (Q-times), and project priorities.

• Ensure the timely production of R&D lots and the successful fulfillment of all internal and external prototyping requests, meeting stringent quality and delivery standards.

• Align closely with R&D Line Engineering, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Production departments to ensure seamless workflow and continuous improvement.

• Coordinate preventive maintenance planning and execution with maintenance teams to maximize equipment uptime and reliability for critical prototyping processes.

• Manage R&D projects from inception to completion, with full responsibility for budget adherence, resource allocation, timeline management, and achievement of defined results.

• Represent AT&S towards customers, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders, building and maintaining strong relationships based on technical expertise and reliable delivery.

• Ensure the robust protection of intellectual property (IP) and freedom-to-operate for all developed technologies originating from R&D prototyping efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project and operational management within a research and development context. The role requires not only technical oversight but also strategic planning, stakeholder management, and a proactive approach to IP protection, which are crucial for a company operating at the cutting edge of IC substrate and PCB technology.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Proven experience in R&D environments, ideally with demonstrated leadership or project management responsibilities in a manufacturing or high-tech setting.

Required Skills:

• People Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team, setting clear priorities and fostering a collaborative work environment.

• R&D Operations Management: Experience in managing R&D prototyping operations, understanding the unique challenges and demands of rapid iteration and development.

• Process Engineering: Strong background in process engineering, particularly within industries such as IC-Substrate manufacturing, IC-Packaging, Assembly, or similar advanced electronics manufacturing sectors.

• Quality & Data Analysis Tools: Solid knowledge and practical application of quality and data analysis tools, including Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and statistical software like JMP or Minitab.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage R&D projects, including scope definition, resource planning, risk assessment, timeline management, and budget control.

• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong analytical capabilities to dissect complex technical problems and robust organizational skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective interaction with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Language Proficiency: Fluent in spoken and written English; German language proficiency is considered an advantage.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific prototyping technologies relevant to IC substrates and PCBs.

• Familiarity with intellectual property management and protection strategies.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application in R&D settings.

• Experience in cross-functional team leadership and stakeholder negotiation.

• Willingness to travel for project-related activities, customer visits, or industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical depth in process engineering and quality tools, coupled with strong leadership and project management capabilities. The specific mention of SPC, DOE, FMEA, and statistical software indicates a data-driven approach to R&D operations and prototype development. Experience in IC substrate/packaging industries is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Showcase specific examples of how you have analyzed, optimized, and improved R&D prototyping processes, detailing the methodology used and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Project Management Documentation: Provide evidence of successful R&D project management, including project plans, risk assessments, progress reports, and final outcome summaries demonstrating on-time and within-budget delivery.

• System Implementation/Improvement: If applicable, include examples of implementing or improving systems or workflows within an R&D or manufacturing operations context, highlighting the impact on efficiency, quality, or speed.

• Metrics & KPI Demonstrations: Present examples of key performance indicators (KPIs) you have defined, tracked, and reported on for R&D operations or prototyping projects, demonstrating your ability to measure and drive performance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing complex R&D workflows, particularly those involved in prototype creation and testing. This includes mapping current states, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing future-state improvements.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of implementing new processes or automation solutions within an R&D or manufacturing environment to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, or improve data integrity.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase your ability to establish metrics, collect data, and perform performance analysis on R&D operations, using tools like SPC, DOE, or other statistical methods to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role in R&D Prototyping Operations, a portfolio showcasing practical application of process improvement methodologies, project management success, and data-driven decision-making is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to detail their involvement in optimizing production lines, managing complex projects, and leveraging quality tools within a prototyping context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on regional Austrian standards for a Section Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a technical R&D operations role within the Electrical and Electronics Industry, the estimated gross annual salary range is €70,000 - €95,000. This range is subject to negotiation based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and performance.

Benefits:

• Structured Onboarding & Training: A tailor-made onboarding program designed to integrate new employees effectively, complemented by continuous training opportunities to foster professional development.

• Meaningful Role & Growth: An opportunity to contribute to AT&S's success in a role with long-term growth potential within an international and innovative environment.

• Modern Work Amenities: Access to a modern company canteen offering freshly prepared meals daily, along with convenient free parking spaces and e-charging stations.

• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: A diverse range of health measures and employee benefits designed to support well-being and work-life balance.

• International Environment: Work within a global company with diverse teams and opportunities for international exposure.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, in line with the Austrian collective agreement. This role is on-site, requiring regular presence at the Leoben headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar Section Manager roles in R&D Operations within Austria, considering the specified experience level and industry (Electrical/Electronics). The Austrian Collective Agreement for the Electrical and Electronics Industry, employment group G, is noted as the basis for compensation, with specific details to be confirmed during the hiring process. Benefits are tailored to align with the provided information and common offerings in the European tech sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AT&S operates in the high-end IC substrate and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing sector, a critical component of the global technology supply chain, particularly for high-performance computing, AI, automotive, aerospace, and medical applications. This industry demands continuous innovation, precision engineering, and robust quality control.

Company Size: AT&S is a leading global manufacturer, implying a large enterprise with established processes, significant R&D investment, and a substantial workforce across multiple international locations. This size offers stability, resources, and structured career paths, while also requiring adaptability and clear communication within a large organizational framework.

Founded: Founded in 1897, AT&S has a long-standing history and deep expertise in electronics manufacturing. This longevity suggests a company with a strong foundation, resilient business practices, and a culture that values experience and sustained innovation.

Team Structure:

• R&D Operations Team: This role leads a mid-sized R&D prototyping operations team, suggesting a focused group of engineers and technicians dedicated to bringing new technologies from concept to tangible prototypes.

• Reporting Structure: As a Section Manager, this role likely reports to a higher-level R&D Director or Head of Operations, with direct reports comprising the team members responsible for day-to-day prototyping line activities.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with R&D Line Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production departments, indicating a highly integrated operational environment where smooth handoffs and information sharing are critical for success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: AT&S's focus on high-end technology and the explicit mention of quality and data analysis tools (SPC, DOE, FMEA) point towards a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and rigorous process control in R&D and operations.

• Process Optimization Strategies: The responsibilities emphasize planning, controlling, and optimizing operations, suggesting a commitment to continuous improvement methodologies and efficient workflow design within the R&D prototyping phase.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly detailed, the drive for operational excellence and timely delivery in a competitive tech landscape implies a focus on implementing automation and efficiency practices where feasible within the prototyping environment.

Company Website: https://www.ats.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context reveals AT&S as a well-established, global leader in a highly technical and innovative industry. The R&D Operations team operates within a structured, data-oriented environment that values precision, quality, and cross-functional synergy. Candidates should be prepared for a culture that balances long-standing expertise with a forward-looking approach to technological advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Section Manager position represents a mid-to-senior level role within operations management, specifically focused on the critical R&D prototyping phase. It involves significant responsibility for team leadership, project execution, operational efficiency, and technical output. The role requires a blend of technical depth and managerial capability, serving as a key link between research innovation and manufacturing readiness.

Reporting Structure: The Section Manager will likely report to a Director or Head of R&D Operations or Technology Development. They will manage a team of engineers and technicians involved in the day-to-day operations of the R&D prototyping line. This structure implies a need for strong communication upwards, downwards, and laterally across departments.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role have a direct and critical impact on AT&S's ability to innovate and bring new, high-end IC substrates and PCBs to market. Successful prototyping operations ensure that new technologies are validated, manufacturability is assessed, and the foundation is laid for future mass production, directly influencing the company's competitive edge and revenue potential.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced prototyping techniques, materials science, or specific IC substrate technologies, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Technical Lead roles within R&D.

• Management Progression: Advance into higher-level management positions, such as Head of R&D Operations, Director of Technology Development, or Plant Management, overseeing larger teams and broader operational scopes.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into roles requiring broader strategic oversight, such as Head of Product Development, or roles in strategic planning, technology scouting, or business unit management, leveraging a deep understanding of the R&D-to-production pipeline.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to represent AT&S at industry conferences, engage with academic partners, and contribute to the broader technological community, enhancing professional visibility and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong platform for career advancement within AT&S, particularly for individuals with a passion for cutting-edge technology and operational excellence. The combination of R&D focus and operational management provides diverse pathways for growth, from deep technical specialization to broader leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the AT&S Headquarters in Leoben, Austria. This implies a professional office environment integrated with R&D laboratories and prototyping facilities. The work environment will be a mix of desk-based work for planning, analysis, and stakeholder communication, and on-the-floor presence to oversee operations and engage with the team.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Leoben, Austria, a city in the Styria region. This location offers a balance of industrial significance and quality of life. Specific details regarding accessibility, public transport links, and proximity to amenities would need to be confirmed, but a headquarters location typically ensures good infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration between R&D engineers, technicians, quality personnel, and maintenance teams. Expect a dynamic atmosphere where problem-solving and knowledge sharing are encouraged.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced R&D prototyping equipment, laboratory facilities, and standard office technology. The role will leverage data analysis software (JMP, Minitab), project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular direct interaction with the R&D Line Operation team through team meetings, floor walks, and one-on-one discussions, as well as with cross-functional departmental heads and external partners.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with the expectation of flexibility to address urgent operational needs or project deadlines, which is common in R&D and manufacturing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is a blend of office and lab/production floor settings, emphasizing hands-on oversight and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, technically focused setting at AT&S's headquarters.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter, focusing on qualifications, relevant experience in R&D operations, process engineering, and leadership.

• Technical & Behavioral Interview: A discussion with hiring managers and potentially senior R&D or Operations leaders. Expect questions probing your technical expertise (process engineering, quality tools), leadership style, project management approach, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Team/Stakeholder Interaction: Potentially an interview or extended discussion with key team members or cross-functional stakeholders you would be working closely with. This assesses cultural fit and collaborative potential.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): You might be asked to prepare a short presentation or case study on a past process improvement initiative, R&D project, or operational challenge you’ve successfully managed. This could involve presenting your portfolio highlights.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with senior management to confirm fit and discuss the role's strategic importance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantifiable Achievements: Focus on presenting projects and initiatives where you have achieved measurable results. Use metrics like cycle time reduction, yield improvement, cost savings, or successful prototype delivery timelines.

• Process Improvement Focus: Clearly articulate the problem, your proposed solution (methodology), your role, the implementation steps, and the final outcome. Use diagrams or flowcharts to illustrate process changes where appropriate.

• Leadership Examples: Include examples of team leadership, conflict resolution, and driving team performance. Highlight how you have mentored or developed team members.

• Technical Depth: For qualifications like SPC, DOE, FMEA, be ready to discuss practical applications and how you've used these tools to solve problems or improve processes in prototyping.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your contributions and impact. Tailor the examples to the specific requirements of the Section Manager role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Efficiency Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach improving the efficiency or throughput of an R&D prototyping line facing specific challenges (e.g., equipment downtime, quality issues, tight deadlines).

• Team Management Scenario: Anticipate questions about managing team performance, resolving conflicts, or motivating a team through challenging R&D phases.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Prepare to discuss how you would ensure alignment between R&D goals, operational execution, and broader company objectives, especially when dealing with internal departments or external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a thorough evaluation of technical skills, leadership capabilities, and practical experience. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating concrete achievements in process optimization and project management within a technical R&D context will be a significant asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Statistical Software: JMP, Minitab (for SPC, DOE, data analysis).

• Quality Management Tools: SPC, DOE, FMEA, MSA.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Jira, Asana, or similar for planning, tracking, and reporting on R&D projects.

• ERP/MES Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing execution systems (MES) for production planning, resource management, and data tracking in a manufacturing context.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or built-in reporting features within JMP/Minitab for creating dashboards and presenting performance metrics.

• Reporting Platforms: Ability to generate comprehensive reports on R&D operations, project status, quality metrics, and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly customer-facing, understanding CRM principles for managing internal customer requests (e.g., from R&D engineering teams) can be beneficial.

• Automation Concepts: Familiarity with automation principles and technologies applicable to manufacturing and R&D processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different systems (e.g., design, simulation, prototyping, quality control) integrate to support the R&D workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in statistical analysis and quality tools (SPC, DOE, FMEA, JMP, Minitab) is a core technical requirement. Experience with project management software and a general understanding of manufacturing systems (ERP/MES) and data visualization will be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Technology Advancement: A strong drive to push technological boundaries and contribute to the development of cutting-edge IC substrates and PCBs.

• Operational Excellence & Efficiency: Commitment to optimizing processes, ensuring high-quality output, and delivering prototypes on time and within budget.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Reliance on data, statistical analysis, and objective metrics to guide R&D operations and problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on effective cross-functional teamwork and open communication to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Precision: A culture that values meticulous attention to detail and high standards of quality in all aspects of R&D and prototyping.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role thrives on seamless integration and communication with R&D Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams. A proactive approach to building and maintaining these relationships is key.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing processes, sharing feedback constructively, and jointly identifying areas for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of knowledge sharing within the R&D operations team and across departments to foster a learning environment and collective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a blend of high-tech innovation, rigorous operational discipline, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates who are data-oriented, detail-focused, and enjoy working in a cross-functional, fast-paced R&D environment will find this culture appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in IC substrate and PCB technology requires continuous learning and adaptation of prototyping processes.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The inherent tension between the need for rapid R&D prototyping and the demand for high quality and reliability in advanced electronic components.

• Resource Management: Effectively managing limited R&D resources (budget, equipment, personnel) to support multiple innovation projects simultaneously.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and alignment across various departments, each with its own priorities and objectives, to facilitate smooth project progression.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced process engineering, Six Sigma methodologies, or lean manufacturing principles applied to R&D.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences (e.g., SEMI, IEEE) and pursuing certifications in project management (PMP), quality (ASQ), or specific technical areas.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship from experienced leaders within AT&S and opportunities to develop leadership skills through managing the R&D team and cross-functional projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges common in leading-edge R&D operations, particularly in managing complex projects with tight deadlines and evolving technological requirements. The growth opportunities are designed to foster both technical depth and leadership expansion within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to managing an R&D prototyping line to ensure both speed-to-market and high-quality output for advanced IC substrates. How would you prioritize competing project demands?" (Focus on balancing priorities, resource allocation, and process efficiency).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How have you successfully collaborated with R&D Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to overcome technical challenges or accelerate prototype development? Provide an example." (Highlight communication skills, conflict resolution, and cross-functional alignment).

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine our R&D prototyping line experiences a recurring equipment failure impacting delivery timelines. What steps would you take to diagnose, address, and prevent this issue?" (Demonstrate analytical skills, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "What interests you about AT&S's role in high-end IC substrates and PCBs, and how do you see your operations management skills contributing to our innovation roadmap?" (Research AT&S's technologies, market position, and recent innovations).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your leadership philosophy and how you motivate a technical team, especially during challenging R&D cycles. How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement?" (Connect your leadership style to AT&S's values of innovation and operational excellence).

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of R&D operations and prototyping projects? What key performance indicators (KPIs) would you focus on in this role?" (Discuss metrics relevant to R&D output, efficiency, and quality).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Structure your presentation around a clear problem statement, your solution (including methodology and tools used), your role, the implementation process, and quantified results (e.g., % reduction in cycle time, % increase in yield).

• Metrics & ROI: Be prepared to vividly present key metrics and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) or business impact of your past projects. Use charts and graphs effectively.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, use visual aids or simplified process flows to explain complex R&D operations or prototyping workflows. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of R&D operations, process engineering, and leadership within a high-tech manufacturing context. Highlighting quantifiable achievements and a data-driven approach in your portfolio presentation will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AT&S career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supporting documents to highlight your experience in R&D operations, process engineering, team leadership, and project management, with a specific focus on prototyping or advanced manufacturing environments. Prepare 2-3 key case studies that best exemplify your impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your responsibilities and achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results. Integrate keywords such as "R&D Prototyping," "Process Engineering," "IC Substrates," "SPC," "DOE," "Project Management," and "People Leadership."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through your portfolio case studies, emphasizing your role and the outcomes. Research AT&S's latest technological advancements.

• Company Research: Deeply understand AT&S's product portfolio, market position, and commitment to innovation. Familiarize yourself with their stated values and operational ethos to demonstrate cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.