ACM Research has hired Yue Ma as chief operations officer, adding a former ASML technical leader to oversee operations from the company’s Oregon facility. Ma began work on Oct. 1 and reports to CEO David Wang.
His compensation includes a $375,000 annual salary, a target annual bonus of $100,000 and equity awards that vest over four years. The package also includes a sign-on bonus and relocation assistance, with repayment requirements if he leaves early.
Key details
-
Background and role: Ma, 53, worked at ASML from 2014 to 2026, most recently as a technical expert and previously as a senior principal architect. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. His primary work location is ACM Research’s Oregon facility.
-
Cash compensation: Ma’s annual base salary is $375,000. He is eligible for a target annual bonus of $100,000, tied to individual and company performance objectives. Any bonus is discretionary, requires company approval and depends on his remaining employed through the payout date.
-
Equity awards: On Oct. 1, ACM Research granted Ma an option to buy 100,000 shares of Class A common stock at $83.58 per share. One-quarter of the option vests after a year, with the rest vesting in equal monthly installments over the following three years, provided he remains with the company. He also received 13,470 restricted stock units, vesting in four equal annual installments starting on the first anniversary of the grant.
-
Sign-on and relocation payments: The company agreed to pay a one-time $50,000 sign-on bonus and cover relocation costs of up to $150,000, including related tax gross-ups. If Ma resigns voluntarily or is terminated for cause within his first year, he must repay all of those payments. If that happens after one year but before two years, he must repay half. No repayment is required after two years.
-
Employment terms: Ma’s employment is at will. His equity awards are subject to approval by the board or its compensation committee.
Plain-English implications
The equity awards are structured to vest over four years, linking Ma’s ability to realize their value to continued employment. His role places him in charge of operations, with his primary work location at the company’s Oregon facility.