Precision Mechanical Engineer / Semiconductor R&D 

Location: San Jose, CA

Salary: $140,000 - $165,000 + Full Benefits + Full Paid Relocation + Bonus

Are you a highly skilled and experienced Precision Mechanical Engineer with a passion for cutting-edge technology? Semiconductor group is seeking a talented individual to join our seasoned R&D team. This is a pivotal role focused on precision mechanical engineering, requiring a broad range of technical skills and in-depth knowledge of optical interferometry.

As a Precision Mechanical Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in developing next-generation metrology products that are vital to our long-term technical and financial success. You'll work within a dynamic, cross-functional team, contributing your expertise as an independent technical contributor while fostering strong relationships across departments. Your work will involve state-of-the-art systems incorporating lasers, polarizing optics, fiber optics, precision mechanics, and electronics.

Responsibilities

• Design and Analysis: Design mechanical assemblies for precise positioning and support of optical components with exceptional stability. Conduct in-depth analysis of design performance using 3D CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations.
• Prototyping and Testing: Participate actively in the assembly and testing of prototype interferometers. Characterize solutions for optical stability, repeatability, and reliability through rigorous experiments and structured test plans.
• Manufacturing Process Development: Develop and implement manufacturing processes for the assembly and alignment of new products. Design specialized tools and fixtures to aid in the alignment, fabrication, gluing, and assembly of lasers, interferometers, and optical components.
• Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting: Measure laser properties and optical performance to ensure strict adherence to product specifications. Generate and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and troubleshoot complex opto-mechanical production issues, providing essential support for product repair activities.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Interface directly with external customers to understand their needs and provide innovative, mutually beneficial solutions. Collaborate with other R&D engineers to support and participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Documentation and IP Protection: Provide accurate and detailed requirements documentation for procurement and fabrication of mechanical components. Protect intellectual property through disclosures, patent applications, or similar mechanisms.
• Continuous Learning: Maintain expertise in your primary area and stay current with relevant technologies and standards in product development.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5-10 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in precision machining, kinematic design, precision motion control, optics, adhesives, and vacuum technology.
• Proven experience with tooling design for precision (opto-)mechanical assemblies.
• Proficiency in GD&T and developing tolerance chains using statistical techniques to ensure in-spec assembly performance.
• Experience with exact constraint design (kinematic principles).
• Strong understanding of precision alignment & metrology techniques.
• Working knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies for precision mechanical components.
• Direct experience in the specification and testing of optical-based integrated systems.

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail and a persistent, problem-solving approach to identifying the cause of unusual results.
• Ability to work independently toward project goals with general guidance.
• Excellent ability to write technical reports in both detailed written format and concise pictorial oral presentation format.
• Adherence to company values, including ethical conduct and high integrity.
• Commitment to health and safety policies and procedures, including clean room protocols when applicable.

Desirable Skills & Abilities

• Reliability analysis of mechanical components and assemblies, including understanding of degradation mechanisms and acceleration factors.
• Strong data analysis skills, including statistical analysis.
• Ability to layout mechanical arrangements for optical testing.
• General knowledge of operations, including procurement, planning, manufacturing, test engineering, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated ability to execute assigned tasks in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical field.