Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Advanced Energy (Nasdaq: AEIS) is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of highly engineered, precision power conversion, measurement and control solutions for mission-critical applications and processes. AE’s power solutions enable customer innovation in complex applications for a wide range of industries including semiconductor equipment, industrial, manufacturing, telecommunications, data center computing and healthcare. Advanced Energy has devoted four decades to perfecting power for its global customers and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Why be a part of Advanced Energy?

Some people say it's like working in the best of two worlds. We operate like an agile, growing, small company – you can see your work make a difference to the company every day. Things move quickly and you can see and feel it. At the same time, we're a global company founded in 1981 and have been publicly traded for more than 28 years. We have a strong cash position, deep trust and partnership with leading customers, a global best-in-class operations capability, and a proven leadership team. We have a track record and resources to make things happen both organically and inorganically. Being part of a nimble company with a solid foundation attracts team members that are capable, driven and like a challenge. Our employees collaborate and know how to have fun inventing, working, building and winning together. At our core, we are Advanced Energy – powering the future, together.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer in the Plasma Power Group, you will lead the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems for RF generator systems used in plasma processing applications. You will drive innovation in thermal management, materials selection, and mechanical design for high-power electronics in complex environments. This role requires cross-functional collaboration, technical leadership, and mentoring of junior engineers. You will influence product architecture, ensure manufacturability, and contribute to the success of next-generation plasma power solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead mechanical engineering efforts across all phases of the product development lifecycle
• Architect and optimize thermal management systems including cold plates, heat exchangers, and active cooling solutions
• Perform advanced simulations (thermal, structural, fluid flow) using tools like Ansys or COMSOL; validate results through empirical testing
• Design mechanical components using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools, applying GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis per ANSI Y14.5
• Create mechanical designs for sheet metal, machined, molded, extruded, stamped, and 3D-printed parts
• Design and route power and communication cables to meet system, regulatory, and EMI requirements
• Create and manage complex Bills of Materials (BOMs) and configuration control across multiple product lines
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain resilience
• Specify and execute experiments to validate design concepts and performance
• Apply DFM/DFA principles to improve manufacturability, serviceability, and reliability
• Evaluate and select materials for high RF field environments and harsh operating conditions
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical reviews, design standards, and best practices
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including electrical engineering, RF engineering, supply chain, compliance, reliability, product management, factory/operations, and leadership
• Interface with customers and OEMs to define and negotiate mechanical design requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Expert proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software
• Advanced knowledge of tolerance analysis and GD&T (ANSI Y14.5)
• Strong hands-on experience with lab testing, instrumentation, and data analysis
• Proven experience managing BOMs and configuration control in a multi-product environment
• Experience with materials selection for high RF field and high-temperature environments preferred
• Background in electronics packaging, RF systems, or high-voltage/high-power applications preferred

EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Proven experience designing and validating thermal management systems
• Experience managing BOMs and configuration control in a multi-product environment
• Experience with materials selection for high RF field and high-temperature environments preferred
• Background in electronics packaging, RF systems, or high-voltage/high-power applications preferred

EDUCATION

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
• MS or PhD preferred

COMPENSATION

As required by multiple state pay transparency laws, Advanced Energy provides a reasonable range of compensation for each job posting. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific office location. The range of starting pay for this role is $130,000 - $200,000 per year.

BENEFITS

• Medical - multiple medical plans are available to choose from
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Generous time off policy starting with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 7 days of paid sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer time off
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave for both Moms and Dads
• Company matched 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Expanded mental health coverage and employee assistance programs
• Other voluntary benefits include critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity, pet insurance, identify theft, and legal assistance