Mechanical Design Engineer
The Mechanical Design Engineer position is a full-time, on-site role based in either Fremont, CA or Reno, NV. This role is responsible for designing and developing precision mechanical components and assemblies for Pivotal's gas flow and process control products, including Gas Flow Controllers (GFCs) and Flow Ratio Controllers (FRCs), from concept through production.
Daily activities include creating detailed 3D models and drawings, performing tolerance stack-up and design-for-manufacturability analyses, and working with suppliers on machined, welded, and cleaned components for ultra-high-purity (UHP) gas service. Collaboration with cross-functional teams such as electrical engineering, firmware, test, manufacturing, and quality is a regular part of the role.
This engineer will support prototype builds, testing, and design validation, resolve design-related issues, and implement improvements based on test results. The role also requires maintaining design documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and contributing to continuous product and process optimization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design precision mechanical components, weldments, and assemblies for gas flow controllers, flow ratio controllers, and related gas delivery products, from initial concept through release to production.
- Create detailed 3D models and fully dimensioned 2D drawings in SolidWorks, applying GD&T and company drafting standards.
- Perform tolerance stack-ups, design calculations, and structural and thermal analysis (including FEA where appropriate) to verify fit, function, and reliability.
- Design for UHP gas service: select materials, surface finishes, seals, and joining methods compatible with high-purity, corrosive, and reactive process gases.
- Apply design-for-manufacturability and design-for-assembly (DFM/DFA) principles, working with machining, welding, and precision-cleaning suppliers to ensure parts are manufacturable, inspectable, and cost-effective.
- Build and test prototypes; plan and run design verification tests such as leak, pressure, thermal, and vibration testing, and use results to drive design improvements.
- Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), release designs and engineering change orders (ECOs) through PLM/ERP systems, and maintain design history documentation.
- Support manufacturing, quality, and suppliers with root-cause analysis and corrective action on design-related issues using tools such as 8D and FMEA.
- Ensure designs comply with applicable SEMI standards, safety requirements, and customer specifications.
- Collaborate with electrical, firmware, and test engineers to integrate sensors, valves, and electronics into compact, serviceable assemblies.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 3+ years of mechanical design experience developing precision components or electromechanical products, preferably for semiconductor capital equipment or other high-tech equipment.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and production drawings; working knowledge of PDM/PLM systems.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
- Experience with prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and quality.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams on-site.
The ideal candidate will also have:
- 5+ years of mechanical design experience developing precision components or electromechanical products, preferably for semiconductor capital equipment or other high-tech equipment.
- Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Experience with UHP gas delivery components, mass flow controllers, valves, or other fluid systems.
- Experience with FEA or CFD tools (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS).
- Experience with Copy Exactly! / Copy Exact! and related design replication methodologies.
- Knowledge of gas thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
- Familiarity with welding, precision cleaning, and leak testing of UHP components.
- Experience in semiconductor, industrial, or other high-tech design and manufacturing environments.
