Shape the technology that will define UK semiconductor innovation

As the UK accelerates investment through its AI Hardware Plan and wider Industrial Strategy, semiconductors are increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, sovereign capability and long-term international competitiveness. The technologies that will power clean energy, next-generation communications, defence, space and AI infrastructure depend on compound semiconductor applications being proven, packaged and made deployable at pace.

That is our purpose, and it is why this appointment matters now. The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is entering an exciting new phase of growth, and we are hiring a Chief Technology Officer to lead our technology, innovation and capability strategy through it. This is an executive appointment with genuine authority: you will define what we build, what we invest in and what we become as a national technology institution.

About us

Established through Innovate UK investment, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult helps organisations accelerate innovation and commercialisation through world-class expertise, facilities and collaborative R&D capability. We work across semiconductor technologies and applications, supporting sectors including clean energy, transportation, digital communications, defence, security and space.

Our headquarters in Newport is complemented by activity across the UK, including Scotland, and our technical capability spans power electronics, RF and photonics, quantum and advanced packaging. We sit deliberately at the point where deep science meets real industrial deployment, working with start-ups, global manufacturers, government and academia to turn technical possibility into commercial and national impact.

The opportunity

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team and reporting directly to the CEO, you will define and champion the Catapult's technology offering, ensuring we remain at the forefront of semiconductor applications, system-level innovation and emerging technologies. You will identify the future capability requirements that strengthen our position as a national leader, and make sure every technology investment is aligned to strategy, customer demand and future market opportunity.

You will own our technology roadmaps, capability plans and investment cases, and the development, protection and exploitation of our intellectual property and technology assets. You will provide leadership and direction to our technology teams through the Heads of Technology, balancing innovation, capability development and commercial delivery, and driving excellence in technology governance, quality, risk management and technical assurance.

Equally, this is an outward-facing role. You will build and sustain relationships with customers, government, academia, industry leaders and funding bodies, identify strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation and growth, support major bids and customer opportunities, and represent the Catapult externally as a recognised technology leader and ambassador. You will advise the CEO and Board on technology opportunities and risks, and lead a multidisciplinary community of scientists, engineers and technology leaders with a culture of innovation, collaboration, trust and customer focus.

This is far more than a traditional technology leadership role. It is an opportunity to move beyond the boundaries of a single organisation and help shape the direction of an entire industry.

What you will bring

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Semiconductor and Deep Technology Credibility: A deep understanding of semiconductors and/or compound semiconductors, gained through significant executive or senior leadership experience in a technology, engineering or advanced manufacturing environment, with the technical authority to lead and be respected by world-class scientists and engineers.
• Technology Strategy and Roadmapping: A proven track record of defining and delivering technology, innovation and capability strategy aligned to business objectives, including technology roadmaps, future capability plans, investment cases and prioritisation decisions in conditions of competing demand.
• Innovation to Commercial Value: Demonstrable success in translating technology capability into commercial value, customer impact or organisational growth, underpinned by a strong understanding of product development, research translation, technology commercialisation and the management and exploitation of intellectual property.
• Technical Delivery, Governance and Assurance: Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams and programmes at scale, with clear accountability for efficient, timely and accurate delivery against contractual obligations, and for technology governance, quality, technical assurance and risk.
• Partnerships and External Influence: A strong record of pursuing collaborative solutions to complex technology problems and of building partnerships with industry, academia, government and funding organisations, with the presence to act as a credible external ambassador for a nationally significant organisation.
• Executive and Inclusive Leadership: Experience operating at Board or Executive level, contributing to whole-organisation performance, transformation and culture, developing technical leaders and future talent, and role modelling inclusive, values-led leadership that enables people to perform at their best.

Beyond experience, we are looking for someone who is naturally curious, comfortable challenging convention and motivated by the opportunity to help build the future of the UK semiconductor sector.

Why join us?

• Set the technology direction of a nationally significant organisation at a formative moment.
• Play a leading role in the growth of the UK semiconductor ecosystem and its contribution to sovereign capability.
• Work alongside world-class technical and industry experts across power electronics, RF and photonics, quantum and advanced packaging.
• Build strategic partnerships across industry, government and academia.
• Shape an evolving organisation entering an exciting new phase of development.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model, performance bonus scheme and pension contribution.

Join us

If you are an accomplished technology leader with the vision, technical depth and executive credibility to help shape the future of semiconductor innovation, we would welcome a conversation.

At this Catapult, we view diversity as a competitive advantage. We value the breadth of perspectives, experiences and thinking styles that diverse teams bring, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute, thrive and perform at their best. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

This campaign is being supported by our advising consultants, GatenbySanderson. To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Michelle Atkinson, Martyn Brereton, Sarah Luxford at CSACatapultCTO@gatenbysanderson.com

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
17.00 - Monday 28th September 2026

Longlist Meeting
Week commencing 5th October 2026

Preliminary interviews with GatenbySanderson
Week commencing 12th October 2026

Shortlist Meeting
Thursday 22nd/Friday 23rd October 2026

Assessment
Week commencing 26th October 2026

Final Panel Interviews
Week commencing 2nd November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com