Senior Robotic Systems Engineer

Cohu, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in San Diego is seeking an experienced individual for system-level leadership in mechatronic and robotic systems. The role requires a minimum of 10 years in complex system development, with expertise in integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components. Candidates should have strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, along with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This position offers opportunities for innovation and international travel for up to 20%.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in complex mechatronic or robotic system development.
• 5+ years as a direct engineer in a discipline.
• Proven system engineering experience for multi-domain machine development.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer requirements into mechatronic and robotic concepts.
• Drive innovation through multi-disciplinary system integration.
• Evaluate feasibility and risk of new concepts.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer-oriented thinking

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechatronics or related field

PhD, MSc, MEng

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CAE software

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Translate complex customer and market requirements into robust mechatronic and robotic system concepts that balance performance, reliability, usability, and cost of ownership.
• Drive multi‑disciplinary system-level innovation by integrating mechanical, electrical, thermal, motion‑control, 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 full‑system traceability from requirements to implementation and maintain architectural integrity throughout the development lifecycle for a fully integrated robotic product.
• Act as a technical authority and mentor for interdisciplinary engineering teams during the development of complex mechatronic and robotic systems.
• Drive development schedules of module and platform development projects aligned to overall program and project dates to meet committed demonstration and ship dates.
• Conduct system‑level requirement analysis and author technical specifications and design briefs for robotic/mechatronic platforms, machines, and modules.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of technical concepts in collaboration with domain experts across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines, based on functional, economic, and risk criteria.
• Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility between mechanical, electrical, and software‑controlled subsystems.
• Guide the development of subsystem concepts and validate their feasibility through analytical modeling and simulation.
• Facilitate design reviews and ensure that development progress aligns with system‑level integration 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.
• Support patent applications and the protection of intellectual property arising from system‑level innovations.
• Present technical solutions and resolve system‑level issues in collaboration with customers and stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

• Strategic and systems‑level thinking with the ability to balance technical depth and cross‑domain integration across mechanical, electrical, and software system.
• 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‑off.
• Proactive mindset for identifying innovation opportunities and system improvement.
• Commitment to technical excellence, documentation, and knowledge transfer.
• Customer‑oriented thinking and ability to represent the company in technical discussion.

AUTHORITY

Lead modules and system‑level integration development for the TH team under the Director of Engineering.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (PhD, MSc, MEng, etc. desired).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the system‑level leadership of complex mechatronic or robotic system development, ideally in semiconductor backend equipment.
• Minimum of 5 years as a direct engineer in a discipline.
• Proven track record in system engineering for multi‑domain machine development, machine concept development, and cross‑functional engineering leadership.
• Deep understanding of thermal systems, motion control, sensor integration, embedded control, and machine intelligence, and how these interact in a robotic product.
• Experience with requirement engineering, risk management, and certification processes.
• Strong knowledge of modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), CAE, and system simulation.
• Excellent English communication skills; German and/or French is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 20%

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.