Job Summary & Responsibilities- Apply the Onto Innovation product development process from concept through manufacturing release, with strong emphasis on control system architecture, integration, and validation for precision semiconductor capital equipment.
- Lead mechanical and mechatronic design with a focus on dynamics-informed design to enable high-performance motion control (stiffness, damping, eigenfrequency management, thermal stability).
- Develop and support motion control systems including:
- Servo loop design, tuning, and optimization (PID, feedforward, notch filtering)
- Stage control architectures (single-axis, multi-axis, coordinated motion)
- Integration of encoders, interferometers, and high-resolution feedback systems
- Perform dynamic system analysis including:
- Modal analysis and frequency response (Bode/Nyquist)
- Vibration characterization and mitigation aligned to VC standards
- Identification and mitigation of structural resonances impacting control bandwidth and stability
- Conduct controls-driven design analysis, including:
- Tolerance stack-up with impact on control performance (following error, settling time)
- FEA with focus on dynamic behavior (mode shapes, compliance paths)
- Thermal-mechanical interactions affecting control accuracy and drift
- Define and validate control performance requirements, including:
- Positioning accuracy, repeatability, settling time, and throughput
- Stability margins and robustness to disturbances
- System-level error budgeting (mechanical + control contributions)
- Participate in system integration and commissioning, including:
- Servo tuning and optimization on hardware
- Prototype bring-up, system identification, and parameter extraction
- Debugging control instabilities, noise, and cross-axis coupling
- Support system-level characterization and validation:
- Frequency response measurement (FRF), step response, tracking performance
- Vibration sensitivity and environmental coupling
- Compliance with SEMI and other performance standards
- Collaborate cross-functionally with controls, electrical, and software teams to:
- Define control architectures and interfaces
- Translate system requirements into control specifications
- Ensure alignment between mechanical design and control performance
- Support multiple programs by delivering controls-aware designs that meet schedule, cost, and performance targets.
- Provide technical support to manufacturing, service, and customers for motion performance issues, root cause analysis, and field improvements.
Qualifications- Controls-Relevant Qualifications
- BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field with strong emphasis on dynamics, controls, or mechatronics
- 7+ years of experience in precision mechanical/mechatronic systems with hands-on motion control and servo tuning experience
- Strong fundamentals in:
- Control systems engineering (feedback control, stability, loop shaping)
- Structural dynamics and vibration analysis
- System identification and frequency-domain analysis
- Experience with:
- Servo tuning tools and motion controllers
- Multi-axis stage systems and precision motion platforms
- Sensors and feedback systems (encoders, interferometers, capacitive sensors)
- Proficiency in:
- FEA tools for dynamic and thermal modeling
- Troubleshooting complex system-level performance issues
- Familiarity with semiconductor equipment or similar high-precision, high-bandwidth motion systems
- Understanding of compliance standards (SEMI, CE, UL) with respect to system performance and safety
- Strong ability to:
- Diagnose and resolve control-performance limitations (mechanical vs control root cause)
- Work at system level across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
- Communicate complex control concepts clearly to cross-functional teams
- Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.
Compensation & Growth• Base Salary Range:
$144,000.00 - $216,000.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.
- Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to both company and individual success.
