OVERVIEWVeeco's Spector ion-beam deposition platforms are at the center of a major production ramp driven by AI datacenter architectures that demand higher-performance thin films at scale. Veeco sees significant opportunities for growth in ion beam deposition for front-end semiconductor applications and EUV mask blanks, and in advanced packaging for AI and high-performance computing.
As a Mechanical Engineer on the Engineering team in Plainview, NY, you will own the design of mechanical components and subsystems - vacuum vessels, wafer fixtures, motion stages, and ion beam source assemblies - for the capital equipment that Veeco's leading chipmaker customers depend on. This is a hands-on, full-lifecycle role: you will take a concept from first sketch through analysis, prototyping, manufacturing release, and factory floor troubleshooting. Your work directly affects system throughput, film quality, and the speed at which Veeco delivers tools into a market that is growing faster than the team can build them.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Design mechanical components and subassemblies for ion beam deposition, ion beam etch, and vapor deposition systems - from initial concept through detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and manufacturing release - balancing performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability in every decision.
- Perform engineering analyses - structural finite element analysis (FEA), thermal modeling, vacuum vessel calculations, fluid dynamics, and motion mechanism sizing - to validate designs before committing to hardware and reduce prototype iteration cycles.
- Build and test prototypes, authoring design-of-experiments (DOE) plans, executing tests, conducting root-cause analysis, and translating findings into documented engineering changes (ECOs) that move the design toward production readiness.
- Advance deliverables through Product Life Cycle (PLC) phase gates by collaborating with Program Management to ensure your mechanical work packages hit milestones on schedule and with the quality evidence required at each gate.
- Present design rationale, analysis results, and test data in formal design reviews attended by cross-functional peers, leadership, and - when applicable - external customers and suppliers.
- Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing to ensure that component sourcing, vendor qualification, and assembly sequences support program timelines - stepping onto the factory floor to troubleshoot build issues in real time when needed.
- Define mechanical design specifications from customer requirements and translate them into clear, measurable criteria that guide your design decisions and acceptance testing.
QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years, or a Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years, of experience designing capital equipment, vacuum systems, mechanical subassemblies, or precision components.
- Proficiency with a 3D CAD platform (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or equivalent) used as a primary design tool.
- Hands-on experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting prototype mechanical hardware in a lab or factory environment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Experience designing capital equipment for the semiconductor industry - including vacuum vessels, wafer handling fixtures, motion mechanisms, and sealed chamber assemblies - with an understanding of how mechanical design choices affect process performance.
- Structural and thermal finite element analysis skills, with the ability to set up models, interpret results, and communicate design implications to non-specialist reviewers.
- Working familiarity with ion beam technology, vacuum physics, or thin-film deposition processes - enough to collaborate meaningfully with process engineers and understand the functional requirements your designs must satisfy.
- Experience with product lifecycle management systems (SAP or similar) and formal engineering change order (ECO) documentation workflows.
- Knowledge of SEMI safety and regulatory standards (such as S2 and S8) as they apply to semiconductor capital equipment design.
- Familiarity with industrial control concepts - sensors, automation, motion control, motor selection - sufficient to coordinate effectively with electrical and controls engineers during integrated system development.
- Skilled at communicating design rationale, analysis findings, and project status clearly in both written reports and verbal presentations to cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers.
- Willingness to travel up to 10% to customer sites and supplier facilities to support installations, evaluations, or supplier qualification activities.
Salary and BenefitsThe expected salary range for this position is $97,500.00-123,500, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay. If your salary requirements exceed the advertised range and you remain interested in Veeco, we encourage you to apply or email your resume to [redacted].
Other benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Commuter Benefits
- Life and Accident Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Identity Theft Remediation
- Emergency Travel Assistance
