Senior Mechanical Engineer

Brooks Automation; Chelmsford (MA); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability

401(k) Plan

Flexible Vacation

Job summary

Brooks Automation seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of vacuum robots and to drive the development of precision electromechanical systems. You will work with cross-functional teams including software, controls, electrical, and systems engineering to optimize performance.

The role requires 8+ years in robotics or automation equipment, strong CAD/FEA skills, and experience taking products from concept through production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and development of vacuum robots.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams.
• Perform and review FEA with Ansys and CFD analyses; drive product design reviews.

Skills

Robot design

Motion control

FEM/CFD

3D CAD Creo

GD&T

DFM/ DFA

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Creo CAD

Ansys

PLM tools

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.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Design

• Lead the mechanical design and development of vacuum robots.
• Design precision electromechanical systems, motion platforms, end effectors, and material handling mechanisms.
• Develop innovative solutions that meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and cost objectives.
• Generate engineering specifications, verification plans, risk assessments, and design documentation.
• Drive product development through Brooks’ stage-gate product development process.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical lead for significant development projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across project teams.
• Lead design reviews and engineering tradeoff analyses.
• Collaborate with software, controls, electrical, and systems engineering teams to optimize system performance.
• Support strategic technology roadmaps and platform development initiatives.

Engineering Analysis

• Perform and review:
  • FEA with Ansys: Structural, modal, Thermal and CFD
  • Tolerance stack-up analysis
• Develop analytical models and test methods to validate design performance.

New Product Introduction

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure successful product transfer into production.
• Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and production ramp activities.
• Drive Design for Excellence (DFX) initiatives including:
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Design for Assembly (DFA)
  • Design for Reliability (DFR)
  • Design for Cost (DFC)

Customer & Applications Support

• Interface directly with customers to understand application requirements and resolve complex technical issues.
• Support evaluation of new customer opportunities and custom applications.
• Participate in customer reviews and field investigations as required.

Sustaining Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Lead resolution of field issues and root cause investigations.
• Drive reliability, quality, and cost reduction projects.
• Manage component obsolescence and supplier change activities.
• Evaluate and implement product enhancements based on customer feedback and operational data.

Supplier & Partner Collaboration

• Work closely with key suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Evaluate component technologies and emerging robotics solutions.
• Support supplier qualification and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience designing robotics, automation equipment, or precision electromechanical systems.
• Experience developing products from concept through production release.
• Experience integrating mechanical systems with controls, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
• Experience leading technical projects or acting as a subsystem owner.
• Semiconductor capital equipment experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of:
  • Precision mechanical design
  • Motion control systems
  • Robotics and automation equipment
  • Bearings, motors, actuators, and drive systems
  • Material handling systems
  • Mechanisms and kinematics
• Proficiency with:
  • 3D CAD tools (Creo preferred)
  • GD&T
  • FEA and simulation tools
  • Engineering change management systems
  • Product lifecycle management tools

Leadership Competencies

• Strong technical problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
• Strong collaboration and customer-facing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor wafer handling robotics.
• Knowledge of vacuum-compatible mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with ISO, SEMI, CE, UL, and relevant industry standards.
• Experience with systems engineering methodologies.
• Experience with agile product development environments.
• Experience leading global cross-functional development teams.

Success Measures

Within the role, success is measured by:

• Delivery of product performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Successful release of new robotics products and product enhancements.
• Reduction of field issues and reliability risks.
• Effective technical leadership and mentoring of engineering teams.
• Positive contributions to innovation, intellectual property generation, and technology roadmaps.

**This role will sit in either Chelmsford, MA or Austin, TX

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $118,265.18 USD to $160,005.83 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.

Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.

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.

For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with [e-mail] or call [phone] to discuss your needs.

Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.

Brooks Automation participates in E-Verify® to confirm eligibility for employment in the United States. For more details, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.