IT Manager

Feste Anstellung, unbefristet

Line Manager:           Managing Director Finance & Administration of AIXTRON Malaysia

Dotted Report to:     Head of IT Infrastructure of AIXTRON Group

About AIXTRON

AIXTRON is a technology and innovation-driven market leader in deposition equipment (MOCVD) for third-generation semiconductor materials such as GaN, SiC and GaAs—critical enablers for energy efficiency, data communications and AI infrastructure. Headquartered in Herzogenrath, Germany, we hold the #1 market position in each of the markets we serve and build some of the industry’s most sophisticated high-tech systems. What sets us apart is how we combine deep technology focus, customer orientation and speed of innovation with strong team spirit, agility and a collaborative company culture. Learn more at www.aixtron.com.

AIXTRON’s new manufacturing & engineering hub in Malaysia

We are building a new greenfield manufacturing and engineering hub in Batu Kawan, Penang. The site will provide a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment for assembly & test of our high-end systems and will contribute to engineering the next generation of products. Operations are planned to start in 2027 with a rapid ramp-up. Beyond technology, the new location is designed as a modern workplace with state-of-the art office and amenities — built to foster collaboration and a strong focus on people wellbeing.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for purpose-driven builders: hands-on professionals with entrepreneurial spirit who enjoy setting up structures, improving processes and taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. As pioneers of our Malaysia site, you will help to shape not only your function, but also how we work together locally — while being connected to a global team of around 1,000 employees from ~60 nationalities across Asia, Europe and the US. We offer competitive benefits, outstanding technical expertise, development opportunities and training.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled, hands-on professional to lead and execute the deployment of IT infrastructure and network for our new manufacturing facility in Penang. This role focuses exclusively on IT systems, including networking and security, server infrastructure, storage, and employee/user computing environments, to support office spaces, labs, and production zones.

The IT Manager will serve as the local IT lead, responsible for adopting and implementing AIXTRON's globally governed IT policies, standards, and strategies at the site level. Reporting directly to the Managing Director Finance & Administration of AIXTRON Malaysia, with a dotted reporting line to the Head of IT Infrastructure of the AIXTRON Group, this role bridges local operational needs with global IT governance.

The role includes building and managing a local IT team of up to 4 FTEs, covering infrastructure, networking, end-user services, and support operations. The IT Manager is expected to recruit, mentor, and develop team members while maintaining a strong hands-on contribution — especially during the facility buildout phase.

The boundary between IT systems and Operational Technology (OT) / MES systems is governed through the dotted reporting line to the Head of IT Infrastructure of the AIXTRON Group, ensuring clear scope definition and alignment with global technology strategies.

This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to support business operations, optimize existing systems, and plan future upgrades.

Responsibilities

Setup Execution & Documentation

• Participate in IT infrastructure planning during facility construction phases (design review, FIT-out, FAT/SAT)

• Coordinate with general contractors, electrical consultants, and low-voltage subcontractors for IT scope

• Set up on-premises IT server rooms, including rack layout, power distribution, cooling, and cable management

• Deploy and manage server environments, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, file/print services, and backup solutions

• Maintain comprehensive and accurate as-built documentation, network diagrams, system inventories, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Ensure all infrastructure documentation meets AIXTRON's ISO 27001 requirements for traceability and audit readiness

Server Infrastructure

• Set up on-premises IT server rooms, including rack layout, power distribution, cooling, and cable management.

• Deploy and manage virtual server environments.

• Install and maintain Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, filing/printing services, and backup solutions.

Network Architecture & Deployment

• Design and implement IT networks, including core, distribution, and access layers

• Deploy redundant switching, routing, and firewall architectures across office, lab, and production-support areas

• Configure VLANs, secure network segmentation, and access controls aligned with AIXTRON's IT security policies and ISO 27001 controls

• Plan and implement fiber and copper cabling infrastructure

• Ensure high availability and redundancy of critical network services

• Monitor network performance and proactively resolve bottlenecks or vulnerabilities

• Coordinate with the global network team on SD-WAN, MPLS, or site-to-site connectivity requirements

End-User Computing & Workplace Services

• Support IT infrastructure for engineering workstations, office users, and collaboration tools (Microsoft 365, Teams)

• Manage the full lifecycle of end-user devices — procurement, imaging, deployment, maintenance, and decommissioning (desktops, laptops, mobile devices)

• Deploy software distribution systems and endpoint management solutions (Intune/SCCM)

• Manage Wi-Fi networks, VPN access, and remote connectivity solutions for employees

• Set up and maintain conference room AV/VC systems, digital signage, and shared workspace technology

• Manage local IT onboarding/offboarding processes in coordination with HR and the global IT service desk

• Ensure endpoint security compliance including device encryption, patching, and access policies in line with ISO 27001

IT Systems Monitoring & Support

• Implement monitoring and alerting solutions for servers, storage, and network devices

• Perform regular health checks, capacity planning, and lifecycle management of IT assets

• Provide support for IT infrastructure incidents and escalations; lead troubleshooting of complex issues, produce root cause reports, and drive long-term fixes

• Manage local IT incident and change management processes in alignment with AIXTRON's global ITIL-based frameworks

• Maintain and track IT asset inventory, licensing, and lifecycle management

• Provide regular operational reports and KPIs to both local management and the global IT leadership team

Global IT Alignment & Collaboration

• Act as the local ambassador for AIXTRON's globally governed IT policies, security standards, and strategic initiatives

• Participate in global IT projects and rollouts, ensuring local requirements are represented and implementations are executed on time

• Interface with the Head of IT Infrastructure (dotted line) on strategic direction, OT/MES boundary governance, and global architecture decisions

• Coordinate with the global cybersecurity team to enforce information security policies, access controls, and compliance requirements

• Support internal and external audits, compliance checks, and risk assessments at the local level

• Communicate proactively with the global IT team on local needs, risks, and opportunities

ISO 27001 Compliance & Information Security

• Ensure all local IT operations, processes, and documentation align with AIXTRON's ISO 27001 certified Information Security Management System (ISMS)

• Implement and maintain local information security controls, including access management, data classification, incident reporting, and physical security of IT assets

• Conduct regular local risk assessments and contribute to the organization's overall risk treatment plans

• Drive security awareness and training for local employees and IT team members

• Maintain documentation and evidence trails required for ISO 27001 surveillance and recertification audits

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

• 5-8 years of hands-on experience in IT network and infrastructure roles, preferably in high-tech manufacturing, electronics, or cleanroom-based facilities

• 3+ years in a site-responsible IT role with people management experience

• Familiarity with IT infrastructure commissioning in new buildings or greenfield sites is highly desirable

• Experience working within an ISO 27001 certified organization or contributing to ISO 27001 implementation and audits

• Solid knowledge of routing & switching, enterprise firewall configuration, VPN technology, and structured cabling

• Experience with enterprise networking equipment (e.g., Cisco, Fortinet or equivalent)

• Experience with Windows Server, Linux, and virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V)

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 administration, Entra ID, Active Directory, and endpoint management (Intune/SCCM)

• Experience with storage solutions (SAN, NAS) and backup technologies

• Familiarity with IT monitoring tools (e.g., PRTG, SolarWinds)

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, including endpoint protection, zero-trust frameworks, and ISO 27001 Annex A controls

• Strong organizational skills to manage infrastructure deployment within construction schedules

• Preferred Certifications; Cisco CCNA / CCNP, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or equivalent, ITIL Foundation v4, CompTIA Network+ / Security+, VMware VCP (VCP-DCV) or equivalent

• Soft Skills & Competencies:

• Proven ability to build, motivate, and develop a high-performing IT team; Clear communication with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders; Proactive approach to documentation, standardization, and continuous improvement; Self-starter mentality — able to work independently with minimal supervision in a location remote from HQ; Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, as this is the primary working language for collaboration with AIXTRON Group headquarters and global teams; Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across cultures and time zones (particularly with AIXTRON's European headquarters); High degree of integrity and confidentiality awareness in handling sensitive information

Working Conditions & Environment:

• Role based at AIXTRON Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

• Majority of the work is at the Batu Kawan site; work at the Kulim site will be requested as needed

• Primarily on-site, especially during the facility buildout phase; limited remote flexibility once operations stabilize

• Standard business hours with flexibility required during infrastructure deployments, go-lives, and critical incidents; occasional overlap with CET (European HQ) time zone expected

• Occasional travel to Headquarters in Germany or other regional sites (~10–15%)

• This role will require a reasonable amount of hands-on physical work, including rack & stack of servers/switches, cable management, and movement of IT equipment (where practical and safe to do so)

• Adherence to ESD and safety protocols required when working in lab and production-adjacent areas