Electro Magnetic Engineer

Brooks Automation; Chelmsford (MA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability

401(k) Plan

Company paid holidays and Flexible VAC

Job summary

Brooks Automation seeks a Senior Electromagnetic Systems Engineer in Chelmsford, MA or Austin, TX to design and validate advanced electromagnetic actuators for precision motion control. You will bridge theory, simulation, hardware design, and experimental validation to deliver high force density and low ripple while meeting reliability and manufacturability requirements.

The role combines modeling, laboratory testing, and collaboration with controls, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in electromagnetic system design, electric machines, motion systems, or related technologies.
• Proficient with EM design tools and experimental validation methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize electromagnetic actuators, magnetic circuits, coils, and PM assemblies for precision motion systems.
• Develop magnetic architectures including Halbach arrays, linear motors, synchronous actuators, and other advanced motion tech.
• Analyze and optimize force generation, levitation, propulsion efficiency, and actuator stiffness.
• Evaluate magnet material options, including rare-earth and non-rare-earth technologies.
• Design EM systems for multi-axis motion and closed-loop control.
• Create and validate EM finite element models using industry tools like Ansys Maxwell, JMAG, COMSOL, Altair Flux.
• Perform magnetic, thermal, and multiphysics simulations; correlate with lab data.
• Collaborate with power electronics, controls, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.
• Design and build lab fixtures; plan and execute experiments; generate test reports.

Skills

EM actuator design

Motors & generators

Magnetic levitation

Linear/direct-drive motors

Permanent magnet design

Magnetic circuit design

Coil/winding design

Electromagnetic FEA

Thermal analysis

Multiphysics simulation

Experimental validation

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering / related field

Tools

Ansys Maxwell

JMAG

COMSOL

Altair Flux

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

LabVIEW

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.

Electro Magnetic Engineer

Job 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

• 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

• 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, 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.

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.

Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.

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