Chief Technology Officer, Semiconductor

CONFIDENTIAL RETAINED SEARCH | US SEMICONDUCTORS

We are conducting a confidential, retained search for a semiconductor chief technology officer at a well-established US semiconductor company. The CTO will set the technology and product roadmap, oversee R&D investment, and turn AI infrastructure trends into commercial strategy, in partnership with the CEO and board. We seek executives with 15+ years of semiconductor technology leadership.

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

ABOUT THIS SEARCH

Top Notch Finders holds an exclusive, strictly confidential retained search for a Chief Technology Officer at a well-established organization in the US semiconductor industry. To protect our client and every candidate, we disclose the company’s identity and the location of its operations only to qualified candidates under a confidentiality agreement. In addition, Top Notch Finders receives and manages every inquiry and application directly.

THE SEMICONDUCTOR CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER OPPORTUNITY

The CTO sets the technology and product roadmap for the organization and oversees R&D investment. In addition, this executive 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. As a result, the company needs a leader who combines deep technical depth with commercial acumen and change-leadership capability. Generative AI chips drive roughly half of industry revenue on a small fraction of unit volume. Therefore, the right CTO creates outsized value compared with nearly any other executive hire.

For a deeper look at how we evaluate and hire senior leaders in this industry, read our The 2026 San Diego Semiconductor Executive Search Hiring Guide. It explains our approach to executive search for technology, engineering, and R&D leadership roles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and drive the company’s overall technology strategy and multi-year product roadmap.
• Oversee R&D investment 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 across design, process, and packaging.
• 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.
• A demonstrated ability to orchestrate stakeholders across engineering, product, and commercial functions.
• A track record of turning R&D investment into commercialized, revenue-generating technology.
• Experience presenting to boards, investors, and industry forums.
• A PhD or master’s degree in electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field (strongly preferred).

CONFIDENTIALITY AND HOW TO APPLY

This is a discreet, retained engagement. We will never present your candidacy to any organization without your explicit prior authorization. In addition, the hiring company cannot see any application at this stage.

If you are an accomplished semiconductor technology executive and want to be considered as our next semiconductor chief technology officer, please submit your resume in confidence through the Top Notch Finders website. Reference search code TNF-SC-CTO-2026 in your submission. However, do not include export-controlled technical data or other proprietary information of any kind in your application materials. We will contact only the candidates whose backgrounds align closely with the mandate.