Open to opportunities

Arash Dehkordi

@arashdehkordi

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Experienced technologist and R&D program manager with a proven record.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that foster innovation and allow me to lead impactful projects.

I am a seasoned technologist and R&D program manager with a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. My career has been dedicated to leading complex, global industrial projects in the advanced materials sector, particularly focusing on Gallium Nitride and photovoltaic technologies. I pride myself on bridging experimental R&D with strategic decision-making, ensuring that innovative ideas are quickly translated into testable prototypes.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed cross-functional teams and executed large-scale R&D initiatives, achieving significant improvements in material efficiency and product quality. My work has not only led to multi-million-dollar savings but has also earned me accolades such as the GCL Poly Best Team Award. I am passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, always striving to embrace a fail-fast, fail-smart mindset.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal Scientist and R&D Manager

Current

Kyocera International

May 2020 - Mar 2025 (4 years 10 months)

Led R&D and manufacturing innovation in the Gallium Nitride value chain, developing substrates and improving yield and quality for LED, AR/VR, and Power Electronics customers. Managed cross-functional projects and direct reports, implementing process improvements, launching new products, and overseeing cleanroom operations. Championed SCADA/data historian implementation and built data pipelines fo

Gallium Nitride SQL Python Image Processing Data Analysis Process Optimization

Sr. Materials Scientist & Project Manager

GCL Solar Materials

May 2017 - May 2020 (3 years)

Managed large-scale R&D and quality improvement projects for photovoltaic and semiconductor silicon ingots, reporting directly to the VP of Crystal Growth. Oversaw a global cross-functional team on high-impact projects spanning process innovation and cost reduction. Executed a cost-reduction program delivering multi-million-dollar annual savings and enhanced a manufacturing cost model using Monte

Silicon Ingots Project Management Process Innovation Quality Improvement HVM (High Volume Manufacturing)

Research Materials Scientist

SunEdison/MEMC

Nov 2014 - May 2017 (2 years 6 months)

Led the quartz crucible program for CCz Silicon crystal growth, responsible for supplier evaluation, failure analysis, and assessing crucible impact on crystal yield and quality. Developed a predictive crucible service life model based on post-mortem analyses and a Should-Cost model based on historical data and supplier insights. Designed and executed experiments to close cell efficiency gaps and

Quartz Crucibles CCz Silicon Crystal Growth Experimental Design Shockley Reed Hall Model Impurity Mass Balance Model

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Clemson University

Ph.D., Materials Science & Engineering

2011 - 2014

Grade: 4.00/4.00

Completed doctoral studies focusing on advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering. Conducted research and coursework leading to the Ph.D. degree, achieving a 4.00 GPA.

Sharif University of Technology

M.Sc., Physics

2006 - 2009

Grade: 3.72/4.00

Pursued graduate studies in Physics, focusing on advanced theoretical and experimental concepts. Completed coursework and research requirements for the Master of Science degree, earning a 3.72 GPA.

Azad University

B.Sc., Applied Physics

2001 - 2005

Grade: 3.40/4.00

Completed undergraduate studies in Applied Physics, covering fundamental principles and practical applications. Earned the Bachelor of Science degree with a 3.40 GPA.