Axcelis Technologies

Senior MOTION Controls Engineer

Axcelis Technologies$124K — $186K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with demonstrated independent execution capability.
  • Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory applied to servo motor systems.
  • Extensive programming experience with motion controllers and optimizing system performance.
  • Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices and industrial communication protocols.
  • Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable specifications.
  • Familiarity with safety and compliance standards relevant to the role.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Lead analysis, simulation, and testing of motion control systems for robust solutions.
  • Architect, design, and implement control systems with complete documentation.
  • Program and optimize motion controllers for performance and reliability.
  • Define and execute testing strategies while building necessary test fixtures.
  • Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide technical support.
  • Drive Engineering Change Orders and maintain design documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to tackle technical challenges.

Benefits

  • Participation in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan.
  • Comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20+ hours a week.
Full Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Senior MOTION Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced robotic and automation systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This role requires deep technical expertise in motion control, strong system-level thinking, and the ability to drive solutions from concept through production while collaborating across disciplines and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead motion control system analysis, simulation, and testing to develop robust, high-performance solutions.
  • Architect, design, and implement control systems, including requirements definition, schematics, firmware, and cable designs.
  • Program, tune, and optimize motion controllers to meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
  • Define and execute system-level test strategies; design and build test fixtures to qualify, validate, and troubleshoot robots and controllers.
  • Troubleshoot complex system-level issues and provide expert technical support to manufacturing and field teams.
  • Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate, traceable design documentation.
  • Ensure designs meet applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally and with external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturability.
  • Act as a technical leader and mentor while fostering a positive, results-driven engineering culture.
  • Travel domestically and internationally as required (less than 10%).


Requirements
  • Senior-level expertise in motion control systems and robotics with a demonstrated ability to execute independently.
  • Deep understanding of closed-loop control theory and its application to servo motor systems.
  • Extensive experience programming motion controllers and optimizing real-world system performance.
  • Strong knowledge of motion feedback devices (encoders) and industrial communication protocols, including Macro Ring, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT.
  • Proven ability to create and review control system schematics and cable design specifications.
  • Working knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including UL, IEC, NFPA, and SEMI.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
Education

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience developing, documenting, and testing semiconductor manufacturing equipment or similarly complex electromechanical systems, demonstrating increasing technical responsibility and ownership.

Preferred Experience
  • SCARA robot control systems.
  • Omron PMAC (formerly Delta Tau) controllers and Macro Ring communication.
  • Vacuum control systems.
  • System-level experience with semiconductor process tools, including EFEM wafer handling systems.
  • Ability to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.


U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE

$124,050.32 - $186,075.49

This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.

Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on

multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work

location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as

you develop within the role.

Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the

Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular

employees working 20+ hours a week).

About Axcelis Technologies

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. is a leading producer of ion implantation equipment used in the fabrication of semiconductor chips. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts. Axcelis' products are used by semiconductor manufacturers to implant ions into silicon wafers, which is a critical step in the manufacturing process of semiconductor chips. The company's customers include many of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers. Axcelis has operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Learn more about Axcelis Technologies
Size
1,122 employees
Market Cap
$2.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$49.9 million
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
+19.9%
Revenue
$474.5 million
NASDAQ

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