Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the Role

A Principal Mechanical Engineer providing technical leadership for the Vibration Control Group, developing and sustaining precision vibration isolation and structural support products (optical tables, breadboards, platforms, isolators, and integrated customer solutions). You will own challenging mechanical designs from concept through release, guide verification and validation, and partner cross-functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and sales to deliver high-performance, manufacturable, and cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of vibration control products and custom customer solutions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability.
• Own requirements definition and technical trade studies (stiffness, damping, modal behavior, load capacity, thermal effects, cleanliness/non-magnetic constraints, vacuum compatibility as applicable).
• Perform analysis and simulation (hand calcs, FEA, vibration/modal analysis) and correlate models to test data.
• Define and execute verification/validation strategies including prototype builds, characterization tests, environmental/vibration testing, and design reviews.
• Serve as a technical authority and mentor, reviewing designs and coaching junior engineers/designers.
• Drive technical risk management: proactively identify failure modes, execute root-cause investigations, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain complete engineering documentation (CAD, drawings, GD&T, BOMs, test plans/reports, compliance documentation) in accordance with MKS processes and PLM/ERP systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management and sales to support roadmap execution, technical customer engagements, and lifecycle management of existing platforms.
• Interact with employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public in a safe, professional, and respectful manner.
• Handle sensitive and confidential business systems, software, and information with trustworthiness and reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in precision mechanical systems and vibration mitigation.
• Demonstrated expertise in structural dynamics and vibration fundamentals (modal behavior, transmissibility, stiffness/damping tradeoffs) and applying them to real products.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) including GD&T, tolerance analysis, and creation/review of production-ready drawings and BOMs.
• Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS or equivalent) and test correlation; ability to select appropriate simplifications and validate assumptions.
• Hands-on prototyping and test experience: instrumentation, test planning, data analysis, and clear technical reporting.
• Proven ability to lead technical workstreams, drive design reviews, and influence cross-functional decisions without direct authority.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills with a track record of closing issues in design and production environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical details for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Customer-facing experience (requirements clarification, technical reviews, issue resolution) strongly preferred; willingness to engage with customers is a must.
• Comfort operating in a regulated/quality environment with disciplined configuration control and documentation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing vibration isolation/support systems (optical tables, breadboards, pneumatic/electronic isolation, elastomeric systems) and/or precision welded structures.
• Experience with PLM/ERP systems (Agile, SAP, etc.).
• Familiarity with cleanliness/non-magnetic materials, vacuum compatibility, and RoHS/REACH considerations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support business goals.

Pay

Salary Pay Range: $140,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year.

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Sick time and 15 paid vacation days.
• 6 weeks fully paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.
• Participation in stock programs and signing bonus (where applicable).