Senior Mechanical Engineer

Brooks Automation US LLC; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 88,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability

401(k) Plan

Holidays and Flexible Vacation

Job summary

Brooks Automation in the United States seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of vacuum robots and precision electromechanical systems. You will guide cross-functional teams, drive stage-gate development, and mentor engineers.

Strong emphasis on reliability, cost, and manufacturability with close collaboration across software, controls, and manufacturing. The role requires 8+ years in robotics/automation, expertise in FEA/CFD, and experience transferring designs to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• 8+ years of experience designing robotics, automation equipment, or precision electromechanical systems.
• Experience developing products from concept through production release.
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with controls, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
• Experience leading technical projects or acting as a subsystem owner.
• Semiconductor capital equipment experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of vacuum robots and related systems.
• Provide technical leadership; mentor engineers and lead design reviews.
• Perform FEA/thermal/CFD analyses and develop validation methods.
• Support new product introduction; prototype builds, qualification, and ramp to production.
• Drive Design for Excellence (DFX) initiatives incl. DFM/DFA/DFR/DFC.
• Interface with customers to understand requirements and resolve complex issues.
• Lead sustaining engineering and collaborate with suppliers to improve reliability and reduce costs.

Skills

Precision mechanical design

Motion control systems

Robotics and automation equipment

Bearings motors actuators drive

Material handling systems

Mechanisms and kinematics

Creo

FEA & simulation tools

Design for Manufacturing/Cost/Reliabi

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Creo

Ansys/FEA

PLM/ECMS/Engineering change mgmt

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer Job Description

Brooks is a leading provider of automation solutions with over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, offering precision robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination control solutions that empower chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions, including robots, vacuum systems, and atmospheric robots for semiconductor manufacturing (www.brooks.com). Are you looking for a place where you can be part of a transformation? Join us at Brooks Automation and be a part of a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development & Design
  Lead the mechanical design and development of vacuum robots. Design precision electromechanical systems, motion platforms, end effectors, and material handling mechanisms. Develop innovative solutions that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and cost objectives. Generate engineering specifications, verification plans, risk assessments, and design documentation. Drive product development through Brooks' stage-gate product development process.
• Technical Leadership
  Serve as a technical lead for significant development projects. Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams. Lead design reviews and engineering tradeoff analyses. Collaborate with software, controls, electrical, and systems engineering teams to optimize system performance. Support strategic technology roadmaps and platform development initiatives.
• Engineering Analysis
  Perform and review: FEA with Ansys: Structural, modal, Thermal and CFD Tolerance stack-up analysis
  Develop analytical models and test methods to validate design performance.
• New Product Introduction
  Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure successful product transfer into production. Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and production ramp activities. Drive Design for Excellence (DFX) initiatives including: Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Design for Assembly (DFA) Design for Reliability (DFR) Design for Cost (DFC)
• Customer & Applications Support
  Interface directly with customers to understand application requirements and resolve complex technical issues. Support evaluation of new customer opportunities and custom applications. Participate in customer reviews and field investigations as required.
• Sustaining Engineering & Continuous Improvement
  Lead resolution of field issues and root cause investigations. Drive reliability, quality, and cost reduction projects. Manage component obsolescence and supplier change activities. Evaluate and implement product enhancements based on customer feedback and operational data.
• Supplier & Partner Collaboration
  Work closely with key suppliers and manufacturing partners. Evaluate component technologies and emerging robotics solutions. Support supplier qualification and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Education Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.
• Experience 8+ years of experience designing robotics, automation equipment, or precision electromechanical systems.
• Experience developing products from concept through production release.
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with controls, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
• Experience leading technical projects or acting as a subsystem owner.
• Semiconductor capital equipment experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of:
  Precision mechanical design
  Motion control systems
  Robotics and automation equipment
  Bearings, motors, actuators, and drive systems
  Material handling systems
  Mechanisms and kinematics
• Proficiency with:
  3D CAD tools (Creo preferred)
  GD&T FEA and simulation tools
  Engineering change management systems
  Product lifecycle management tools
• Leadership Competencies: Strong technical problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment. Strong collaboration and customer-facing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor wafer handling robotics.
• Knowledge of vacuum-compatible mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with ISO, SEMI, CE, UL, and relevant industry standards.
• Experience with systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience with agile product development environments.
• Experience leading global cross-functional development teams.

Success Measures

• Delivery of product performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives. Successful release of new robotics products and product enhancements. Reduction of field issues and reliability risks. Effective technical leadership and mentoring of engineering teams. Positive contributions to innovation, intellectual property generation, and technology roadmaps.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $118,265.18 USD to $160,005.83 USD Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

• 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.

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 [e-mail] or call [phone] to discuss your needs. Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.

Brooks Automation participates in E-Verify® to confirm eligibility for employment in the United States. For more details, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Since our founding in 1978, Brooks Automation has been a leading automation provider and trusted partner to the global manufacturing industry. Our customers choose the Brooks Automation platform because we consistently deliver best-in-class reliability and cost of ownership, with a solution that is optimized for value within their application. We deliver value through our understanding of the application challenge, providing solutions at scale that create an automated advantage for our customers. This benefits our customers with improved throughput and yield and a lower cost of ownership.