Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum

Join the power movement as a Senior Mechanical Engineer

We’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation equipment. You will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal vacuum equipment and R&D machinery.

This role requires you to be a technical expert who can drive innovative architecture while maintaining the procedural discipline necessary for high-performance hardware. If you enjoy solving complex thermal-mechanical problems in vacuum environments and mentoring others in a collaborative, fast-paced setting, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What you'll do:

• Lead System Design: Own the design, integration, and validation of R&D 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
• Get Things Done: Act with speed to drive projects from concept through assembly, testing, and implementation

What we’re looking for:

• Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience)
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment
• Thermal & Structural Expertise: Practical experience managing vacuum architecture (pumps, gauges, leak detection) and thermal management systems (chillers, heat exchangers)
• 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

Bonus points for:

• 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

Must-have requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, sitting for extended periods of time
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call occasionally
• Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics