Octric Semiconductor seeks new CEO

When the UK government made the surprising move to acquire a semiconductor fab in Durham, one of the primary questions that arose was who would be at the helm of this new venture. The answer to that question is now on the horizon, as Octric Semiconductor, the rebranded entity, is actively seeking a chief executive officer. The recruitment firm Korn Ferry has been tasked with the responsibility of identifying a suitable candidate who will need to deftly navigate the expectations of the UK government, a significant investor, and the ever-changing landscape of the semiconductor market.

The fab in question was initially established by Fujitsu with a focus on manufacturing memory chips. More recently, it was under the ownership of the US-based Coherent, producing gallium arsenide (GaAs) chips for the Typhoon fighter program, along with gallium nitride (GaN) and indium phosphide (InP). Currently, the facility employs 130 individuals, overseen by Ian Croston in his role as general manager, having transitioned from Coherent.

• UK government buys Durham fab in shock move
• £200m boost for Octric Semicoductor

Recent developments have seen a substantial injection of £200 million from the UK Ministry of Defence into the advancement of new technology platforms for GaN and InP. This infusion of capital underscores the strategic importance of semiconductor technology in the defense sector and signals a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this domain.

The semiconductor landscape in the region is experiencing a period of expansion, with Pragmatic Semiconductor establishing multiple 300mm fabs for plastic chips in close proximity. Additionally, Filtronic is engaged in the production of high-end RF filters tailored for aerospace, satellite, and military applications. These developments underscore the growing significance of the semiconductor industry in the area and the diverse range of applications it serves.

As Octric Semiconductor gears up for its next phase of growth and development, the company is actively recruiting for various key positions. Among the roles being sought are an e-beam process engineer, Integration and Yield Manager, photolithography and etch process engineers, and an integration engineer. These positions represent critical functions within the organization and will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and operational excellence within the semiconductor fab.