Principal Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team. This role involves leading the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing equipment, defining system-level requirements, standardizing best practices, conducting rigorous design reviews, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring engineering staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead System Design: Drive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D processing equipment
• Define Requirements: Establish system-level requirements and innovative design concepts that directly correlate mechanical precision to product quality
• Standardize Best Practices: Implement and maintain engineering workflows, and best practices using semiconductor standards as your guide
• Lead Design Reviews: Conduct rigorous reviews for overall mechanical systems and sub-systems, emphasizing manufacturability (DFx) and best practices for mechanical design
• Collaborate & Interface: Generate and maintain critical interfaces with cross-functional teams, including scientists, vacuum specialists, and electrical engineers
• Project Accountability: Report on project milestones to stakeholders, ensuring delivery of on-time and in-spec outcomes
• Mentor Talent: Coach engineering staff on technical delivery, procedural discipline, and professional development
• Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Temperature & Structural Expertise: Proven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments
• Vacuum System Proficiency: Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material outgassing, seal integrity, and pump-down optimization
• Software Mastery: Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Hands-on Capability: Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting
• Vendor Management: Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub-systems
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in both direct and matrixed organizational structures

Qualifications

• R2R Expertise: Experience designing or integrating roll-to-roll (R2R) systems for material processing
• Semiconductor Background: Prior success building first-of-kind or experimental tools for semiconductor R&D or thin-film deposition
• Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry-standard mechanical codes
• Motion Control: Experience designing precision motion and motor-controlled systems within challenging environments

Skills

• Technical Expertise: Proven capability in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in both direct and matrixed organizational structures

Benefits

• $150,000 - $225,000 a year
• Competitive compensation with equity
• 13 Company-wide Holidays
• Flexible vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Generous parental leave policy
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Professional growth opportunities
• Team-building activities

Pay

• $150,000 - $225,000 a year

Schedule

• Full-time