Principal Mechanical Engineer

Advanced Energy Management Limited; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Advanced Energy in Colorado is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical design for RF generator systems in plasma processing. You will drive innovation in thermal management, materials selection, and mechanical design for high-power electronics, mentoring junior engineers and shaping product architecture.

The role requires cross-functional collaboration with electrical/RF teams, supply chain, and customers while ensuring manufacturability and compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with lab testing, instrumentation, and data analysis.
• Experience designing and validating thermal management systems.
• Experience with BOMs and configuration control in multi-product environment.
• Background in electronics packaging, RF systems, or high-voltage/high-power applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering efforts across all phases of the product development lifecycle.
• Architect and optimize thermal management systems including cold plates, heat exchangers, and active cooling solutions.
• Perform advanced simulations (thermal, structural, fluid flow) using tools like Ansys or COMSOL; validate results through empirical testing.
• Design mechanical components using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools, applying GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis per ANSI Y14.5.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain resilience.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical reviews, design standards, and best practices.
• Interface with customers and OEMs to define and negotiate mechanical design requirements.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Lab testing

Project management

Ansys/COMSOL

RF electronics packaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Ansys

COMSOL

Job description

WHY BE A PART OF ADVANCED ENERGY?

Some people say it’s like working in the best of two worlds. We operate like an agile, growing, small company - you can see your work make a difference to the company every day. Things move quickly and you can see and feel it. At the same time, we’re a global company founded in 1981 and have been publicly traded for more than 28 years. We have a strong cash position, deep trust and partnership with leading customers, a global best-in-class operations capability, and a proven leadership team. We have a track record and resources to make things happen both organically and inorganically. Being part of a nimble company with a solid foundation attracts team members that are capable, driven and like a challenge. Our employees collaborate and know how to have fun inventing, working, building and winning together. At our core, we are Advanced Energy - powering the future, together.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer in the Plasma Power Group, you will lead the design, analysis, and validation of mechanical systems for RF generator systems used in plasma processing applications. You will drive innovation in thermal management, materials selection, and mechanical design for high-power electronics in complex environments. This role requires cross-functional collaboration, technical leadership, and mentoring of junior engineers. You will influence product architecture, ensure manufacturability, and contribute to the success of next‑generation plasma power solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead mechanical engineering efforts across all phases of the product development lifecycle
• Architect and optimize thermal management systems including cold plates, heat exchangers, and active cooling solutions
• Perform advanced simulations (thermal, structural, fluid flow) using tools like Ansys or COMSOL; validate results through empirical testing
• Design mechanical components using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools, applying GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis per ANSI Y14.5
• Develop mechanical designs for sheet metal, machined, molded, extruded, stamped, and 3D‑printed parts
• Design and route power and communication cables to meet system, regulatory, and EMI requirements
• Create and manage complex Bills of Materials (BOMs) and configuration control across multiple product lines
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain resilience
• Specify and execute experiments to validate design concepts and performance
• Apply DFM/DFA principles to improve manufacturability, serviceability, and reliability
• Evaluate and select materials for high RF field environments and harsh operating conditions
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical reviews, design standards, and best practices
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams including electrical engineering, RF engineering, supply chain, compliance, reliability, product management, factory/operations, and leadership
• Interface with customers and OEMs to define and negotiate mechanical design requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is split between a standard office environment, engineering lab, and/or clean room. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required for supplier visits, testing, or customer support

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expert proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software
• Advanced knowledge of tolerance analysis and GD&T (ANSI Y14.5)
• Strong hands‑on experience with lab testing, instrumentation, and data analysis
• Ability to self‑manage projects from concept to release, including schedule and cost control
• Proficiency with Ansys, COMSOL, or similar simulation tools preferred
• Background in electronics packaging, RF systems, or high‑voltage/high‑power applications preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Proven experience designing and validating thermal management systems
• Experience managing BOMs and configuration control in a multi‑product environment
• Experience with materials selection for high RF field and high‑temperature environments preferred
• Strong background in DFM/DFA and reliability engineering preferred
• Experience working directly with customers to define and validate design requirements preferred

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

COMPENSATION:

As required by multiple state pay transparency laws, Advanced Energy provides a reasonable range of compensation for each job posting. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific office location. The range of starting pay for this role is $130,000 - $200,000 per year.

BENEFITS:

As part of our total rewards philosophy, we believe in offering and maintaining competitive compensation and benefits programs for our employees to attract and retain a talented, highly engaged workforce. Our compensation programs are focused on equitable, fair pay practices including market‑based base pay, an annual pay‑for‑performance incentive plan, and discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

In addition to our competitive compensation practices, we offer a strong benefits package in each of the countries in which we operate. In the U.S., we offer a rich benefits package that includes:

• Medical - multiple medical plans are available to choose from
• Short and long‑term disability and life insurance
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Generous time off policy starting with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 7 days of paid sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer time off
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave for both Moms and Dads
• Company matched 401(k)
• Expanded mental health coverage and employee assistance programs
• Other voluntary benefits include critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity, pet insurance, identify theft, and legal assistance

Advanced Energy is committed to diversity in its workforce including Equal Employment Opportunity for Minorities, Females, ProtectedVeterans,and Individuals with Disabilities.

Advanced Energy is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our job application processes/procedures for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance in completing an Advanced Energy application, please reach out to [e-mail].

CO ONLY:

Applications will be accepted through 8/21/2026, the company reserves the right to review applications at any point after they are submitted.