Electro Magnetic Engineer

Brooks Automation; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 79,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Flexible Vacation

Job summary

Brooks Automation is seeking a Senior Electromagnetic Systems Engineer to design and validate advanced electromagnetic actuation systems for magnetic levitation, propulsion, and precision motion control applications. The role spans theory, simulation, hardware design, and experimental validation with close collaboration across controls, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities include developing EM systems, analyzing force generation and levitation, validating with

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize electromagnetic actuators, magnetic circuits, coils and permanent magnet assemblies for high-precision motion systems.
• Develop magnetic architectures including Halbach arrays, linear motors, and direct-drive actuators.
• Analyze and optimize force generation, levitation, propulsion efficiency, and actuator stiffness.
• Evaluate magnet materials including rare-earth options.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multi-axis motion and closed-loop control.
• Plan and execute experiments to validate electromagnetic, thermal, and dynamic performance.
• Generate formal test reports and design verification documentation.
• Drive design improvements using data-driven methods.

Skills

Electromagnetic actuator design

Electric machines

Magnetic levitation

Linear motors

Magnetic circuit design

Finite element analysis

Thermal analysis

Multiphysics simulation

Test & validation

Data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in EE/related

Tools

Ansys Maxwell

JMAG

COMSOL

Altair Flux

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Description

Brooks Automation is developing next-generation precision motion technologies for semiconductor automation. We are seeking a highly capable Senior Electromagnetic Systems Engineer to design and validate advanced electromagnetic actuation systems used in magnetic levitation, propulsion, and precision motion control applications.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving challenging multidisciplinary problems and can bridge electromagnetic theory, simulation, hardware design, and experimental validation. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing electromagnetic solutions that achieve high force density, precise six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) motion control, low force ripple, and high efficiency while meeting demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

The position combines analytical work, finite element modeling, laboratory experimentation, and close collaboration with controls, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Electromagnetic System Design

• Design and optimize electromagnetic actuators, magnetic circuits, coils, and permanent magnet assemblies for precision motion systems.
• Develop magnetic architectures including Halbach arrays, linear motors, synchronous electromagnetic actuators, and other advanced motion technologies.
• Analyze and optimize force generation, levitation performance, propulsion efficiency, and actuator stiffness.
• Evaluate magnet material options, including rare-earth and non-rare-earth technologies.
• Design electromagnetic systems that support precision multi-axis motion and closed-loop control.

Modeling & Simulation

• Develop and validate electromagnetic finite element models using industry-standard tools such as Ansys Maxwell, JMAG, COMSOL, Altair Flux, or equivalent.
• Perform magnetic, thermal, and multiphysics simulations.
• Predict and minimize force ripple, cogging effects, power losses, magnetic saturation, eddy currents, and thermal constraints.
• Correlate simulation results with laboratory data and continuously improve model accuracy.

Thermal & Electrical Analysis

• Design and evaluate coil architectures, current requirements, voltage requirements, and overall electrical performance.
• Conduct thermal analyses to establish operating limits, duty cycles, cooling requirements, and long-term reliability.
• Collaborate with power electronics engineers to define current drivers, sensing requirements, and system architectures.

Motion Control Support

• Develop force models and commutation strategies for electromagnetic actuators.
• Support controls engineers through creation of actuator models, force maps, and system characterization data.
• Analyze force and torque generation mechanisms and their impact on precision motion performance.

Experimental Validation

• Design and build laboratory test fixtures and prototypes.
• Plan and execute engineering experiments to validate electromagnetic, thermal, and dynamic performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data.
• Generate formal test reports, design verification documentation, and technical recommendations.
• Drive design improvements using a data-driven engineering approach.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, manufacturing, and reliability engineering teams.
• Participate in design reviews and technical problem-solving activities.
• Contribute to innovation initiatives, invention disclosures, and intellectual property development.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.

Experience

• 5+ years of industry experience in electromagnetic system design, electric machines, motion systems, or related technologies.

Technical Skills

Demonstrated experience in several of the following areas:

• Electromagnetic actuator design
• Electric motors and generators
• Magnetic levitation systems
• Linear motors and direct-drive systems
• Permanent magnet design
• Magnetic circuit design
• Coil and winding design
• Electromagnetic finite element analysis
• Thermal analysis of electromechanical systems
• Multiphysics simulation
• Experimental design and validation
• Data acquisition and engineering analysis

Software Experience

Experience with some of the following tools:

• Ansys Maxwell
• JMAG
• COMSOL
• Altair Flux
• MATLAB / Simulink
• Python
• LabVIEW

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision motion systems or robotics.
• Experience with semiconductor automation equipment.
• Experience with magnetic levitation or planar motor technologies.
• Experience correlating simulation models with laboratory results.
• Experience developing patents, invention disclosures, or technical publications.
• Familiarity with electromechanical product development from concept through production.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical understanding with a practical, hands‑on engineering mindset. They are comfortable moving between simulation tools, design reviews, laboratory testing, and cross‑functional collaboration.

We are looking for someone who:

• Balances theory, simulation, and experimental validation.
• Takes ownership of technical challenges and follows them through to resolution.
• Communicates effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Works collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues.
• Is receptive to constructive feedback and continuous learning.
• Demonstrates curiosity, humility, and a passion for innovation.

**This role will sit in either Chelmsford, MA or Austin, TX**

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $105,593.46 USD to $142,861.74 USD

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, and education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

At Brooks, we offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.

Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.

Work Location & Flexibility

At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in‑office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.

Brooks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and proudly serves as an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Diversity enhances our innovative capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively. At Brooks Automation, we celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives each individual brings, believing they are essential to our collective success. Join us in building a workplace where every team member is valued and can thrive.

For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don't hesitate to get in touch with or call [phone] to discuss your needs.

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