Chief Technology Officer, Semiconductor

CONFIDENTIAL RETAINED SEARCH | US SEMICONDUCTORS

Search Reference: TNF-SC-CTO-2026 | Technology Strategy Leadership Mandate, US Semiconductors

ABOUT THIS SEARCH

Top Notch Finders has been retained on an exclusive and strictly confidential basis to identify a Chief Technology Officer for a well-established organization in the United States semiconductor industry. To protect the interests of our client and of every candidate who engages with us, the identity of the company and the location of its operations are disclosed only to qualified candidates under a confidentiality agreement. All inquiries and applications are received and managed solely by Top Notch Finders.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The CTO sets the technology and product roadmap for the organization, oversees R&D investment, and translates AI infrastructure and advanced-node trends into commercial strategy at the executive level.

MARKET CONTEXT

AI-first operating models have redefined the CTO mandate, requiring leaders who combine deep technical depth with commercial acumen and change-leadership capability. With generative AI chips driving roughly half of industry revenue on a small fraction of unit volume, the value created by the right CTO is outsized relative to nearly any other executive hire.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and drive the company’s overall technology strategy and multi-year product roadmap.
• Oversee R&D investment allocation across advanced node development, packaging, and system-level integration.
• Translate emerging AI infrastructure trends into actionable product and technology strategy.
• Lead technical due diligence for M&A, licensing, and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Represent the company’s technology vision to customers, investors, and industry consortia.
• Build and mentor a high-performing engineering leadership team spanning design, process, and packaging disciplines.
• Collaborate with the CEO and board on long-term innovation strategy and competitive positioning.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 15+ years of semiconductor technology leadership, including prior CTO, VP of Engineering, or equivalent roles.
• Deep expertise across AI/data integration, advanced packaging (3DIC, hybrid bonding), and cloud/platform architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to orchestrate stakeholders across engineering, product, and commercial functions.
• Track record of translating R&D investment into commercialized, revenue-generating technology.
• PhD or master’s degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience presenting to boards, investors, and industry forums.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND HOW TO APPLY

This is a discreet, retained engagement. Your candidacy will never be presented to any organization without your explicit prior authorization, and no application will be visible to the hiring company at this stage. Accomplished semiconductor technology executives are invited to submit a resume in confidence through the Top Notch Finders website. Please reference search code TNF-SC-CTO-2026 in your submission. Do not include export-controlled technical data or other proprietary information of any kind in your application materials. Only candidates whose backgrounds align closely with the mandate will be contacted.