Electro/Mechanical Systems Engineer

Cohu, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition assistance

Disability & life insurance

Profit Sharing

Job summary

Cohu, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a module-level leader to guide the development of electromechanical robotic platforms. You will analyze requirements, craft technical specs, and drive cross-domain solutions across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

The role emphasizes architecture integrity, risk assessment, and certification readiness, with international travel up to 10%. A strong engineering background and leadership experience are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical or electrical engineering; MSc/MEng desired.
• 3+ years in module-level leadership of complex robotic/mechatronic systems development, preferably in semiconductor backend equipment.
• At least 3 years as a direct engineer.
• Proven record in system engineering and cross-disciplinary electromechanical/robotic concepts.
• Experience with thermal systems, motion control, and sensor integration.
• Knowledge of risk management, regulatory certification processes, and machine intelligence.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Analyze module requirements and write specs for electromechanical/robotic platforms.
• Evaluate concepts with domain experts using functional, economic, and risk criteria.
• Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility across subsystems.
• Develop subsystem concepts, requirements, and interfaces; validate via modeling/simulation.
• Lead design reviews and align progress with system-level goals.
• Lead risk assessments and initiate pre-development/technology validation.
• Ensure compliance with CE, SEMI, RoHS; assist documentation.
• Present solutions and resolve module-level issues with customers.

Skills

Module-level leadership

Systems engineering

Robotics concepts

Cross-disciplinary leadership

Thermal systems

Motion control

Sensor integration

Risk management

Regulatory knowledge

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics/ME/EE

Masters preferred

Job description

• Translate complex customer and market requirements into robust system concepts that balance performance, reliability, usability, and cost of ownership.
• Drive module-level innovation by integrating mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software domains into cohesive machine platforms.
• Moderate cross-functional concept development workshops and guide teams through structured decision-making under uncertainty.
• Evaluate feasibility and risk of new concepts using first-principles physics and empirical modeling.
• Ensure system-level traceability from requirements to implementation and maintain architectural integrity throughout the development lifecycle.
• Drive development schedules of module level development projects aligned to overall program and project dates to meet committed demonstration and ship dates.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct module-level requirement analysis and author technical specifications and design briefs for electromechanical, automated, robotic platforms, machines, and modules.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of technical concepts in collaboration with domain experts, based on functional, economic, and risk criteria.
• Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility across subsystems and modules.
• Guide the development of subsystem concepts, requirements, and technical interfaces and validate their feasibility through analytical modeling and simulation.
• Facilitate design reviews and ensure that development progress aligns with system-level objectives.
• Drive risk assessments and initiate necessary pre-development or technology validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with certification requirements (e.g., CE, SEMI, RoHS) and support the preparation of documentation.
• Present technical solutions and resolve module-level issues in collaboration with customers and stakeholders.

3. ESSENTIAL QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

• Strategic and electromechanical robotic module-level thinking with the ability to balance technical depth and cross-domain integration.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions under ambiguity using physical principles and engineering judgment.
• Excellent communication and moderation skills to lead interdisciplinary teams through complex trade-offs.
• Proactive mindset for identifying innovation opportunities and system improvements.
• Commitment to technical excellence, documentation, and knowledge transfer.
• Customer-oriented thinking and ability to represent the company in technical discussions.
• AUTHORITY
• Lead module level development for EPG team under the Director of Product Engineering

5. REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. (MSc, MEng, etc. desired)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the module level leadership of the development of complex robotic, electromechanical, mechatronic systems, ideally in semiconductor backend equipment.
• Minimum of 3 years as a direct engineer.
• Proven track record in system engineering, electromechanical and robotic machine concept development, and cross-discipline, electro-mechanical engineering leadership.
• Experience with thermal systems, motion control, sensor integration, and.
• Knowledge of risk management, regulatory certification processes and machine intelligence
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%.

Compensation:

The estimated base pay range for this position is $113,000-$142,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu's good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this role upon hire. This role may also be eligible for other compensation programs as determined by company policy.

Featured benefits

• 401(k) with company matching contributions
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition assistance
• Disability & life insurance
• Profit Sharing

With more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer challenging and rewarding work experiences, generous employee benefits and a strong company culture. If you are looking for a global publicly traded company that provides you with international experience and a challenging work environment, then Cohu is your choice.

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Cohu firmly supports the U.S. national and various state and local policies of equal employment opportunity which are designed to provide equality of employment and advancement opportunities to every individual without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other legally protected category.

In addition, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified disabled individuals, upon request.

Globally, Cohu is committed to full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing employment, in the U.S. and in all other locations around the world where we have operations.