Senior Scientist I (SRA/ARM), SIMTech

A*STAR Research Entities (A*STAR); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A*STAR Research Entities (A*STAR) seeks a Senior Research Scientist with a strong foundation in motion control of automation systems. You will lead industry engagements, architect automation systems, and guide development from concept to deployment for precision machinery in semiconductor contexts.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, 3–5 years of experience, and hands-on expertise with servo drives, multi-axis platforms, and advanced software tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical, electrical or mechatronics with a motion control focus.
• 3–5 years of work experience in motion control or automation.
• Hands-on experience applying precision motion control to real-world systems.
• Experience with servo drives, linear motors and multi-axis platforms.
• Familiar with vibration isolation, thermal management and error budgeting for high-accuracy systems.
• Experience in semiconductor machine design or related precision equipment development.

Responsibilities

• Lead industry engagement to identify motion control requirements for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing.
• Architect automation systems with a focus on precision high-speed motion control.
• Execute full design lifecycle from concept to prototyping, testing and deployment.
• Apply servo actuators and automation system architecture; use MATLAB/Simulink and motion tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Motion control theory

Servo-actuator design

Automation systems

Reinforcement learning

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring juniors

Prototyping & testing

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

SolidWorks

SolidEdge

CAD/CAE software

Motion simulation tools

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Research Scientist with a strong foundation in motion control of automation systems. The candidate should have hands-on experience applying advanced control theories to precision motion systems under real-world environments. Prior experience with complex semiconductor machine design is highly advantageous. This role requires an independent researcher who thrives in collaborative team settings and who can lead industry engagement from conceptualisation through to system design, development and deployment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Industry Engagement & Problem DefinitionLead industry engagement to identify and specify the motion control and automation requirement in semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing sectors. This includes translating the operational requirements into actionable motion control and automation system specifications.
• Automation System Design & ConceptualisationArchitect of automation systems with a focus on precision motion control for high-speed and high-accuracy applications. Apply precision motion control theories to develop novel solutions for development of complex equipment for semiconductor or other advanced manufacturing machines.
• Project Execution & DeploymentExecute the full design lifecycle from concept through conceptualization, design and analysis to prototyping, testing, and deployment of automation systems. Conduct the necessary laboratory tests to ensure the control systems meet stringent performance, accuracy, and reliability standards.
• Technical Expertise & ToolsApply in-depth knowledge of precision motion control theories, servo-actuator design and automation system architecture.
  Utilize software tools likeMATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorksormotion control simulation toolsfor modelling, simulation and virtual prototyping.
• Independent Research & CollaborationConduct independent research in precision motion control and automation, while contributing effectively as a team player within cross-functional teams. Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with electrical, controls, and software teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.

Job Requirement

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics, with specialization in motion control, automation systems, or a closely related field
• 3-5 years of work experience or similar

We value the following skills relevant to Precision Motion Control and Automation Systems:

• Strong foundation in control theory, including classical and modern control approaches especially AI enabled algorithms e.g. Reinforcement learning
• Hands-on experience in applying precision motion control theories to real-world systems, with exposure to servo drives, linear motors and multi-axis motion platforms
• Working knowledge of precision machine design principles, including vibration isolation, thermal management and error budgeting for high-accuracy systems
• Familiar with SolidWorks/SolidEdge, MATLAB/Simulink, CAD & CAE software tools and motion simulation tools
• Knowledge of commercially available motion control components (servo drives, encoders, drive electronics, controllers) and automation solutions, with ability to evaluate and select appropriate components technologies
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams (e.g. mechanical design, electric driver, controls and software; ability to conduct independent research while being an effective team collaborator.
• Prior experience in semiconductor machine design or related precision equipment development is highly preferred.
• Prior exposure to industry-academic collaboration or R&D environments, with a track record of translating research outcomes into deployable solutions.