Senior Development Engineer

Critical Fit Recruiting; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Fit Recruiting seeks a Senior Development Engineer to lead development, analysis, and optimization of precision motion systems for advanced semiconductor equipment. You will push nm-level performance, characterizing dynamics and tuning high‑performance control systems.

You will collaborate across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software teams, develop calibration methodologies, and drive technical roadmaps while mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in a relevant engineering field.
• 8+ years of experience developing high-performance motion control systems.
• Experience measuring FRFs, Bode/Nyquist plots, and dynamic modeling.
• Proven ability to drive technical investigations and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, analysis, and optimization of precision motion systems for semiconductor metrology and inspection equipment.
• Characterize machine/stage dynamics via measurements, system identification, and modeling.
• Measure and analyze FRFs, transfer functions, coherence, and performance metrics.
• Develop and optimize motion control strategies including PID, feedforward, and trajectory optimization.
• Perform modal testing/analysis to identify resonances and guide design improvements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and algorithms teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Create documentation, test procedures, and calibration workflows; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Motion control

Servo tuning

Frequency-domain analysis

System identification

Dynamic modeling

Machine calibration

Bode plots

Nyquist plots

Vibration analysis

MATLAB/Simulink

Technical leadership

Education

MSc or PhD in Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

FEA/FEM (preferred)

Job description

DESCRIPTION:

As a Senior Development Engineer, you will lead the development, analysis, and optimization of precision motion systems that enable nanometer-level performance in advanced semiconductor equipment.

You will work at the intersection of controls engineering, dynamics, mechatronics, precision mechanics, and system integration. Your expertise will be instrumental in characterizing machine dynamics, tuning high-performance control systems, optimizing stage performance, and developing calibration methodologies that maximize equipment accuracy and productivity.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep knowledge of motion control, frequency-domain analysis, system identification, and dynamic behavior of precision equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, analysis, and optimization of precision motion systems for semiconductor metrology and inspection equipment.
• Characterize machine and stage dynamics through experimental measurements, system identification, and analytical modeling.
• Measure and analyze frequency response functions (FRFs), transfer functions, coherence, disturbance spectra, and closed-loop performance metrics.
• Develop, tune, and optimize motion control strategies, including:
• PID control
• Feedforward control
• Disturbance rejection
• Trajectory optimization
• Perform controller tuning and performance validation to achieve demanding requirements for settling time, tracking accuracy, throughput, and stability.
• Conduct modal testing and modal analysis to identify structural resonances and visualize system dynamic behavior.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to improve system performance through optimized structural and dynamic design.
• Develop and implement machine, stage, and sensor calibration methodologies to improve positioning accuracy and measurement performance.
• Support root-cause analysis of machine performance issues related to vibration, servo behavior, structural dynamics, and system integration.
• Use simulation and modeling tools to predict dynamic performance and guide design improvements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, and algorithm teams to develop fully integrated solutions.
• Create technical documentation, test procedures, performance reports, and calibration workflows.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to motion control technology roadmaps.

Qualifications Required:

• MSc or PhD in Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing high-performance motion control systems.
• Strong expertise in: Motion control systems, Servo tuning, Frequency-domain analysis, System identification, Dynamic modeling, Machine calibration
• Hands-on experience measuring and interpreting: Frequency response functions (FRFs), Bode plots, Nyquist plots
• Time-domain and frequency-domain performance metrics
• Experience tuning feedback and feedforward control loops for precision motion systems.
• Strong understanding of system dynamics, vibration, resonance, damping, and disturbance rejection techniques.
• Experience performing modal testing and modal analysis.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and engineering analysis tools.
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to independently drive technical investigations and deliver results.
• Experience performing structural dynamic simulations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA/FEM) is preferred