Vice President Seagate Research

Job description

About our group: Seagate Research is responsible for advancing the scientific discoveries, breakthrough technologies, and strategic capabilities that will shape the future of data. As Seagate's central research organization, the team drives innovation across fundamental science, emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation data solutions. Through internal research programs and external collaborations, Seagate Research creates new opportunities for growth, strengthens competitive advantage, and accelerates the commercialization of transformative technologies. Research focus areas include: Device Physics Physical Intelligence and Robotics Data Security Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Edge and Mass Capacity Solutions About the role - you will: Define and communicate Seagate's enterprise research vision aligned to long-term business, technology, and innovation strategies. Lead a global, multidisciplinary research organization focused on future technologies and emerging competitive opportunities. Govern a balanced portfolio of foundational research, strategic capability development, adjacent innovation, and commercialization initiatives. Establish portfolio roadmaps, investment frameworks, technical milestones, and review processes that drive disciplined decision-making and resource allocation. Translate emerging technological shifts and scientific discoveries into actionable enterprise priorities and investment opportunities. Advise executive leadership on disruptive technologies, emerging risks, strategic technology choices, and future growth opportunities. Drive the progression of research concepts from discovery through validation, prototyping, intellectual property development, business adoption, partnerships, licensing, or commercialization. Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Information Security, Legal, Intellectual Property, Corporate Development, and business leaders to accelerate innovation adoption. Build and maintain strategic relationships with universities, research institutions, government agencies, startups, suppliers, customers, and industry consortia. Lead research planning and operational governance, including budgets, laboratories, equipment, staffing, partnerships, compliance, safety, security, and portfolio risk management. Champion intellectual property creation, protection, and strategic utilization. Develop and inspire a diverse, high-performing team of technical leaders, researchers, and innovators. Represent Seagate externally as a recognized thought leader and advocate for innovation in data, storage, and advanced technologies. About you: You are a visionary technology leader who can translate long-range scientific possibilities into business value and strategic advantage. You bring deep technical credibility combined with strong commercial acumen. You excel at leading through ambiguity and making evidence-based decisions in highly complex environments. You are skilled at aligning technical, operational, and business stakeholders around transformational opportunities. You foster innovation through collaboration, inclusion, experimentation, and continuous learning. You are passionate about developing exceptional technical talent and building high-performing organizations. Your experience includes: Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in research and development, advanced engineering, technology strategy, or related disciplines. Significant experience leading leaders and multidisciplinary teams within large, global organizations. Demonstrated success defining enterprise technology strategies and managing complex research portfolios across multiple investment horizons. Proven track record of translating research into prototypes, intellectual property, technology transfers, strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, or commercial outcomes. Experience managing significant operating budgets, research facilities, laboratory environments, and external research investments. Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and boards. Experience evaluating and managing technical, operational, strategic, and investment risks. Preferred Qualifications Executive leadership experience within data infrastructure, storage, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, hardware, AI, robotics, or other deep technology industries. Experience operating at the intersection of research, product development, manufacturing, and commercial deployment. Established network across academic institutions, government research agencies, industry organizations, startup ecosystems, and technology partners. Recognized industry thought leadership demonstrated through patents, publications, conference presentations, standards participation, industry awards, or successful technology ventures. Experience leading technology commercialization and innovation-to-market initiatives in global enterprises. Success in This Role Establishes and executes a clear, funded, and measurable enterprise research strategy. Creates a sustainable pipeline of breakthrough innovations that drive business impact and future growth. Accelerates the transition of research outcomes into products, platforms, operational capabilities, partnerships, and intellectual property. Strengthens collaboration across Seagate functions and strategic external partners. Builds and develops a world-class research organization recognized for scientific excellence, innovation, and commercial impact. Location: This position follows an onsite work structure. The role may be based in Shakopee, Minnesota, Longmont, Colorado, or Fremont, California. Shakopee (Shakopee, MN): Our Shakopee campus is located 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis in a setting with a rural vibe – it overlooks a horse racing track and stables, yet it has great entertainment venues close by as well. With wide- (open spaces, the campus has plenty of space for running, biking, shooting some hoops or playing volleyball over lunch. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, tournaments and group workouts. Hungry? Seagate offers an on-site café with freshly sourced foods and specialty coffees, or if you prefer, drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Longmont: Our Longmont product-design campus is nestled against the foothills with exceptional views of the Rocky Mountains. Here at work, you can grab breakfast and lunch in the on-site cafeteria or get an afternoon espresso, prepared by a professional barista. Our 1,500+ employees enjoy an active on-site experience from sporting activities (get in a few laps at lunch on our 1-mile walking path around campus, play ping-pong or volleyball, or stop in our 24- hour fitness center for a group or individual workout) to community service and many employee resource groups including Pride!, Women’s Leadership Network and a Young Professionals Network. Fremont: Our Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support and administrative teams. The site is equipped with state-of-the-art clean room and lab space. On-site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms and the on-site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work-life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community. The estimated base salary range for this position is $265,000 - $320,000. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location. This position offers an opportunity to lead one of Seagate's most strategically important engineering organizations, driving the technologies that enable future generations of industry-leading storage solutions. Location : Shakopee, United States Travel : Up to 10%