5 month contract
Onsite in San Diego, CA (30-40 hours a week)
Client in semiconductor manufacturing industry
Job description:
In this critical role, you will be a key business partner to R&D leadership, combining financial acumen, project management rigor, and data-driven insights to optimize resource allocation and accelerate the development of next-generation products. You will play a central role in managing R&D budgets, tracking project performance, and supporting the transition toward a more structured, outcome-based investment framework.
This position is based in San Diego, CA, with the expectation of in-office collaboration. Given the strong partnership with the Japan R&D and finance teams, the role requires flexibility to work evening hours to align with Japan time zones when and as needed.
What You'll Do:
Optimize R&D Investments
· Develop robust business and financial models to evaluate the viability and ROI of R&D projects.
· Support prioritization of initiatives based on strategic and financial impact.
Drive Operational Efficiency
· Analyze R&D spending, headcount utilization, and CapEx/Opex mix to identify optimization opportunities.
· Build scalable, repeatable processes to improve visibility and governance across project portfolios.
Lead Budget Planning & Forecasting
· Partner with engineering, product, and finance teams to manage annual and quarterly planning cycles.
· Own consolidation, variance tracking, and reporting through Oracle EPM and related systems.
· Support alignment between global and Japan R&D organizations on resource allocation and spend control.
Deliver Actionable Insights
· Build executive-ready presentations in PowerPoint, highlighting key metrics, trends, and recommendations.
· Develop and maintain Excel-based dashboards, templates, and cost models for ongoing financial performance tracking.
Strengthen Cross-Functional Alignment
· Serve as a liaison between Japan-based leadership and global R&D finance teams.
· Communicate clearly and proactively to ensure decisions are backed by data and aligned with global objectives.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
· 3+ years of experience in Accounting or FP&A, business operations, or project management, ideally supporting R&D or technology organizations.
· Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, with the ability to design and deliver clear, executive-level presentations.
· Strong system orientation, including hands-on experience with Oracle EPM, ERP, or related financial planning systems.
· Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and the ability to translate data into clear business narratives.
· Process-oriented and highly organized, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
· Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; able to synthesize complexity into clarity.
· Willingness to work evening hours to collaborate effectively with Japan counterparts.
· San Diego-based — in-office presence required for collaboration and alignment with local leadership.
Bonus Points:
· Experience in the semiconductor or embedded software industry.
· Exposure to software project planning, capitalization, or R&D portfolio management.
· Familiarity with tools like Power BI, SmartView, or other data visualization platforms.
· Native or fluent Japanese language skills highly preferred