System Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: System Design Manager

Company: Comet AG

Location: Shanghai, China

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / System Design

Date Posted: April 26, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the establishment and growth of a new Research and Development (R&D) presence for Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) in China.

• Drive the technical development of RF matching networks in collaboration with the R&D team in Korea.

• Provide critical technical support to enhance customer satisfaction and foster strong client relationships within the Chinese market.

• Strategically expand Comet PCT's market share in China by optimizing R&D response times and improving communication channels with local customers.

• Leverage deep expertise in RF technology, analog and digital circuit design, and system architecture to deliver innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational R&D leadership position within Comet AG's Plasma Control Technologies division in China. The focus is on bridging technical development between China and Korea, directly impacting market expansion and customer engagement through enhanced local support and faster product iteration cycles. This is not a pure management role but a hands-on technical leadership position with strategic growth responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the setup and operationalization of the R&D function for Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) in Shanghai, China.

• Collaborate closely with the existing R&D team in Korea to design, develop, and refine RF matching networks, ensuring seamless technology transfer and integration.

• Deliver expert technical guidance and support to Chinese customers, troubleshooting issues and ensuring optimal performance of Comet's products.

• Act as a key liaison between local customers and the global R&D teams to gather feedback, identify needs, and drive product improvements.

• Develop and implement strategies to reduce R&D response times for Chinese clients, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Contribute to market share growth in China by ensuring timely and effective technical solutions and communication.

• Utilize advanced electronic measuring instruments and software for rigorous data collection, analysis, and system validation.

• Participate actively in cross-functional product development cycles, contributing technical insights from concept to production.

• Mentor and guide junior technical staff or engineers as the China R&D presence grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities blend hands-on technical work with strategic market development. The emphasis on establishing a new R&D presence and reducing response times indicates a critical role in Comet's expansion strategy in China, requiring a proactive and problem-solving approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in RF engineering, with a substantial focus on RF matching networks, RF generators, and RF sensors.

• Proven track record of successful product development or system integration in a technical engineering environment.

Required Skills:

• RF Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of RF matching networks, RF generators, and RF sensors.

• Circuit Design: Comprehensive knowledge of both analog and digital circuit design principles and their application in complex systems.

• System Design: Ability to design, integrate, and troubleshoot entire systems, not just individual components.

• Measurement & Analysis: Proficiency in operating and interpreting data from essential electronic measuring instruments such as Oscilloscopes, Network Analyzers, and RF Spectrum Analyzers.

• Data Handling: Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting to drive informed design decisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams (e.g., R&D, sales, customer support) to achieve project goals.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to address complex technical challenges.

• Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, essential for technical support and inter-team collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience establishing or managing R&D functions or technical teams.

• Familiarity with the semiconductor manufacturing process or related high-tech industries.

• Knowledge of plasma physics or related process control technologies.

• Experience with simulation software relevant to RF and circuit design.

• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese, in addition to English, would be highly advantageous for local customer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on establishing a new R&D presence, candidates with experience in setting up technical operations or leading nascent technical teams will be highly valued. The requirement for specific RF equipment proficiency points towards a hands-on technical leadership role rather than a purely managerial one.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• RF Design Projects: Showcase detailed examples of RF matching network designs, including challenges faced, design choices, simulation results, and measured performance.

• System Architecture Diagrams: Present diagrams illustrating the integration of RF components within larger systems, demonstrating an understanding of system-level design.

• Technical Support Case Studies: Include examples of how complex technical issues were diagnosed and resolved for customers, highlighting the process and outcome.

• Cross-functional Project Contributions: Detail specific contributions to product development projects, illustrating collaboration with other engineering disciplines, manufacturing, or sales.

• Data Analysis Reports: Provide samples of technical data analysis and reports generated using oscilloscopes, network analyzers, or spectrum analyzers, demonstrating analytical rigor.

Process Documentation:

• Design Methodology: Evidence of structured design processes, including requirements gathering, schematic capture, PCB layout considerations (if applicable), simulation, prototyping, testing, and validation.

• Troubleshooting Frameworks: Documentation or case studies illustrating a systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving RF system malfunctions.

• Customer Engagement Protocols: Examples of how technical support interactions are managed, from initial contact through resolution, emphasizing communication and documentation.

• R&D Workflow Optimization: Demonstrated experience in identifying bottlenecks in R&D processes and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and response times.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of RF design principles, system integration, and successful technical problem-solving is crucial. The ability to articulate the process behind these achievements, especially concerning customer interaction and R&D efficiency, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance Support: Emphasis on policies and a culture that promotes a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

• Profit Sharing: Opportunity to share in the company's financial success, aligning employee rewards with business performance.

• Educational and Career Opportunities: Access to ongoing learning, training programs, and career advancement pathways within Comet AG.

• Housing Fund Contributions: Company contributions towards a housing fund, a common benefit in China to assist with housing expenses.

• Enhanced Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive insurance plans, including enhanced coverage for employees and their children, providing significant financial security.

• International Collaboration: Opportunity to work with a global team, fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional networking.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility and overtime depending on project demands, especially during the establishment phase of the R&D center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in Shanghai, China, factoring in the specialized technical skills and the strategic importance of the position. Specific compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications and experience. The benefits package highlights Comet AG's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Advanced Manufacturing / Semiconductor Equipment Components. Comet AG operates in niche high-tech sectors involving X-ray and radio-frequency technology, serving industries critical for modern technology like semiconductor manufacturing (memory chips, touch screens) and other advanced production processes.

Company Size: Comet AG is a medium-to-large sized Swiss technology company with a global presence, likely employing several thousand individuals worldwide. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes but also potential for agility and innovation.

Founded: Founded over 75 years ago, Comet AG has a long history of innovation and technological development, indicating stability and deep expertise in its core areas.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The System Design Manager will likely lead a small, nascent R&D team in Shanghai, focusing initially on RF engineering specialists. This team will collaborate closely with a larger, established R&D group in Korea.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The role reports into a regional or divisional head of R&D, with a dotted line to global PCT leadership. Close coordination with sales and customer support teams in China will be essential.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving R&D teams in other regions, product management, sales, and customer service to ensure market needs are met and technical challenges are resolved efficiently.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Comet AG emphasizes a data-driven approach to R&D and problem-solving, utilizing precise measurements and analysis from specialized equipment.

• Operations Process 2: The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging the development of new solutions and the optimization of existing processes to meet evolving market demands.

• Operations Process 3: A strong focus on customer needs drives product development, requiring close interaction and feedback loops between technical teams and clients.

Company Website: comet.tech

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely a blend of Swiss precision and engineering rigor with a global, innovative outlook. The emphasis on "curiosity" suggests an environment that values exploration and problem-solving. The PCT division's focus on plasma control for high-tech manufacturing implies a demanding, fast-paced, and technically sophisticated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a significant step into technical leadership, managing the establishment of a new R&D function. It bridges hands-on technical expertise with strategic market-facing responsibilities. It's a pivotal position for someone looking to grow into a leadership role in a specialized engineering field within a global tech company.

Reporting Structure: The System Design Manager will report to a higher-level R&D leader (e.g., Head of R&D for Asia or Global Head of PCT R&D) and will work closely with local sales and business development teams. This structure allows for both technical autonomy and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Comet AG's market expansion strategy in China. Success will be measured by increased market share, improved customer satisfaction through faster technical support, and the successful development and deployment of localized RF solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in RF system design, plasma control technologies, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a larger R&D management role, overseeing multiple technical teams or expanding the Shanghai R&D center's capabilities.

• Strategic Influence: Ability to shape Comet AG's technological roadmap and market strategy for the crucial Chinese market.

• Cross-Regional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse international teams and contributing to global product development efforts.

• Industry Recognition: As a key player in a niche technology field, contributions can lead to industry recognition and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to build something new within a well-established company. Growth potential is high for individuals who can demonstrate strong technical leadership, strategic thinking, and successful market engagement in a new territory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Comet's facilities in Shanghai, China, within the Jin Qiao Export Processing Zone. This suggests a professional office and potentially laboratory or R&D workshop environment equipped for advanced technology development.

Office Location(s): Located at 1201 Guiqiao Road, Building 10, 1st floor, Jin Qiao Export Processing Zone, Pudong, Shanghai. This is a well-established industrial/tech zone in Shanghai, likely offering good access to transportation and other related businesses.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace Aspect 1: The environment will be dynamic, involving close collaboration with local sales, customer support, and potentially manufacturing teams, as well as remote collaboration with the Korean R&D center.

• Workspace Aspect 2: Access to essential electronic measuring instruments (Oscilloscope, Network Analyzer, RF Spectrum Analyzer) and potentially lab facilities for prototyping and testing will be provided. Modern IT infrastructure for communication and data management is expected.

• Workspace Aspect 3: The role requires frequent interaction with internal stakeholders across different departments and potentially direct engagement with customers for technical support and feedback.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of establishing a new R&D presence and serving international clients, some flexibility may be required, potentially including occasional early morning or late evening calls to accommodate time zone differences with Korea and other global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is expected to be technically focused, collaborative, and demanding, driven by the company's commitment to innovation and market expansion. The specific location in a processing zone suggests a practical, operational setting for R&D activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1 (Screening): Initial HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with company values.

• Process Step 2 (Technical Interview): In-depth technical discussion focusing on RF design, system architecture, circuit design, and experience with measurement equipment. Expect scenario-based questions related to RF challenges.

• Process Step 3 (R&D/Manager Interview): Interview with the hiring manager or a senior R&D leader to discuss leadership experience, strategic thinking, experience establishing R&D functions, and collaboration style.

• Process Step 4 (Cross-functional Interview): Meeting with potential key collaborators (e.g., sales lead for China, Korean R&D representative) to assess interpersonal skills and cultural fit.

• Process Step 5 (Final Interview): Potentially a final interview with a higher-level executive to discuss overall vision and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Tip 1: Structure your portfolio to clearly highlight projects demonstrating expertise in RF matching networks and system design. Use a consistent format for each project, including problem statement, your role, technical approach, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results.

• Portfolio Tip 2: For case studies on technical support, focus on the diagnostic process, the root cause analysis, and the impact of your solution on customer satisfaction and product performance. Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., reduced downtime, improved efficiency).

• Portfolio Tip 3: Be prepared to walk through specific diagrams or schematics from your portfolio, explaining design choices and trade-offs. For measurement data, be ready to interpret graphs and discuss how they informed your design decisions or troubleshooting steps.

• Portfolio Tip 4: Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize your ability to establish an R&D presence and improve response times in a new market. Highlight any experience with setting up labs or processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1: Be prepared for a technical challenge that might involve analyzing a complex RF circuit, troubleshooting a hypothetical system failure, or outlining a strategy for developing a new RF matching network for a specific application.

• Challenge Preparation 2: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Focus on demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving, similar to how you would present your portfolio case studies.

• Challenge Preparation 3: Think about how you would communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., sales teams, management) and how you would manage expectations regarding R&D timelines and deliverables in a new market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess both technical depth and strategic leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases practical problem-solving and a clear understanding of customer impact will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• RF Design & Simulation Software: Tools like ADS (Advanced Design System), Microwave Office (AWR), or similar for schematic capture, layout, and RF simulation.

• Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tools: For circuit simulation and analysis.

• CAD Software: Potentially for mechanical aspects of system design or enclosure design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Proficiency in tools for analyzing measurement data (e.g., MATLAB, Python with scientific libraries, Excel with advanced functions).

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for creating technical reports, presentations, and documentation.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking R&D tasks and cross-functional project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: While not a direct user, understanding how R&D output feeds into CRM for sales and support is beneficial. Familiarity with Salesforce or similar systems could be helpful for understanding customer data context.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for real-time communication and team collaboration, especially with remote teams.

• Version Control Systems: Git or similar for managing design files and code, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate must be proficient with industry-standard RF design and measurement tools. Experience with data analysis and collaboration platforms is essential for success in a globally distributed R&D environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Innovation: A core value driving Comet AG, encouraging exploration, learning, and the development of novel solutions. For operations, this translates to seeking out process improvements and new technical approaches.

• Precision & Quality: Reflecting its Swiss heritage, Comet AG likely values meticulous attention to detail, accuracy in design and measurement, and high-quality output.

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs, driving technical support and product development efforts.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for success in a global organization, fostering open communication and mutual support across teams and geographies.

• Sustainability: As mentioned in the company description, a commitment to developing solutions for a more sustainable world, which can influence design decisions and long-term strategy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative approach where R&D, sales, and customer support work closely together to address market needs and technical challenges.

• Process Review Culture: An environment where processes are regularly reviewed and optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, particularly important for establishing a new R&D function.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of open sharing of technical knowledge and best practices across teams, especially between the Shanghai and Korean R&D groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will embody Comet AG's core values, demonstrating a blend of technical excellence, innovative thinking, and a collaborative spirit. The ability to effectively bridge cultural and geographical gaps in collaboration will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New R&D Presence: Building a functional and effective R&D team and infrastructure from the ground up in a new location.

• Bridging Geographic and Cultural Gaps: Effectively collaborating with and managing technical development with a team in a different country (Korea), requiring strong communication and cross-cultural competency.

• Rapid Market Response: Meeting the demand for faster R&D response times in a competitive Chinese market, requiring efficient processes and quick problem-solving.

• Technical Complexity: Working with cutting-edge RF technology and complex systems in high-tech manufacturing environments, demanding continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing Local Needs with Global Strategy: Ensuring that localized solutions meet specific customer requirements in China while aligning with Comet AG's broader product strategy and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced RF engineering, plasma control systems, and semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

• Leadership & Management Training: Opportunities to develop skills in team building, project management, and strategic R&D planning.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing professional certifications to stay at the forefront of RF technology.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Comet AG or to mentor junior engineers, fostering growth on both sides.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly for individuals who thrive in building and optimizing technical operations in dynamic environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Question 1: "How would you approach establishing a new R&D function for RF matching networks in Shanghai, considering collaboration with our existing Korean R&D team?" (Prepare to discuss phased implementation, team building, equipment setup, process integration, and communication protocols.)

• Operations Question 2: "Describe a situation where you had to significantly reduce R&D response time for a critical customer issue. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process analysis, prioritization, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.)

• Operations Question 3: "Imagine a customer reports inconsistent performance with our RF matching network. Walk us through your systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving this issue, including the instruments you would use." (Demonstrate a logical troubleshooting methodology, data interpretation skills, and potential solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Question 4: "Based on our company description and your understanding of our industry, what do you believe are the key operational challenges and opportunities for Comet AG in the Chinese market?" (Show research into Comet AG, its products, and the Chinese tech/semiconductor landscape, linking it to operational efficiency and market penetration.)

• Operations Question 5: "How would you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication between your new Shanghai-based R&D team and the established R&D team in Korea?" (Discuss strategies for bridging time zones, cultural differences, and technical alignment.)

• Operations Question 6: "How do you measure the success of an R&D team, particularly one focused on system design and customer support? What metrics would you prioritize?" (Think about KPIs like cycle time, first-time-fix rates for support, customer satisfaction scores, product performance improvements, and market share growth.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1: For each project, clearly articulate the "Why" (customer need/problem), the "What" (your solution/design), the "How" (your technical process, tools, and collaboration), and the "So What" (quantifiable results/impact).

• Presentation Strategy 2: When presenting data, use clear visualizations (graphs, charts) and be prepared to explain the significance of the data points and how they led to decisions or confirmed success. Quantify ROI or efficiency gains where possible.

• Presentation Strategy 3: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about your designs and troubleshooting approaches. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a way that is understandable to a diverse audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples from your career that demonstrate your ability to build technical functions, solve complex RF problems, and drive customer satisfaction in a competitive market. Emphasize your understanding of the strategic importance of this role for Comet AG's China expansion.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this System Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Comet AG careers portal via the provided link.

• Concrete Preparation Step 1: Curate and refine your professional portfolio to prominently feature projects related to RF matching networks, system design, and technical support case studies. Ensure each example clearly outlines the problem, your solution, the process, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Concrete Preparation Step 2: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords related to RF engineering, system design, analog/digital circuit design, specific measurement equipment (Oscilloscope, Network Analyzer, RF Spectrum Analyzer), and any experience in establishing technical operations or managing cross-functional projects.

• Concrete Preparation Step 3: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights concisely and effectively. Prepare to discuss your approach to establishing the Shanghai R&D presence and improving customer response times, as these are key to the role.

• Concrete Preparation Step 4: Thoroughly research Comet AG, its products (especially in Plasma Control Technologies), its market position, and its stated values ("curiosity," sustainability). Understand the competitive landscape in China for semiconductor equipment components.

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