Sr. Systems Engineer

Nelson Connects; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects in Fremont, CA seeks an experienced Electrical Architect to lead power distribution, control panels, and safety systems for semiconductor capital equipment. You will develop schematics and wiring diagrams, validate designs, and ensure UL508A and SEMI S2/S22 compliance.

Collaborate with mechanical, software, and process teams, perform risk assessments, and guide junior engineers through design reviews. Strong CAD and industrial automation skills required.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field; M.S. preferred.
• 8+ years of electrical engineering experience, with at least 5 in semiconductor capital equipment design.
• Hands-on SEMI S2, NFPA 79, CE and UL508A compliance in product development.
• Control system architecture experience: requirements definition, hardware selection, topology, integration.
• Proficiency in PLC and motion controller programming for industrial automation.
• Strong motion control background: servo design, drive tuning, multi-axis coordination.
• Experience with safety-rated electrical design and safety PLC implementation.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD tools and PLM/document control systems.
• Ability to read and produce engineering-quality schematics, BOMs, and panel layouts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical architecture design for semiconductor capital equipment from concept to production release.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable documentation using CAD tools.
• Select components including power distribution, motor drives, sensors, and safety devices.
• Design and validate power distribution systems and test data collection for design validation.
• Ensure UL508A design documentation and compliance including SCCR requirements.
• Serve as product safety lead ensuring SEMI S2/S22 compliance.
• Apply NFPA 79 throughout panel design, wiring practices, and safety circuits.
• Design and verify UL 508A-compliant control panels and coordinate third-party listings.
• HIRA activities; develop safety requirements and verify via testing.
• Interface with UL, TUV, CE, and manage technical file preparation for international compliance.
• Drive safety design reviews and track corrective actions.
• Define and develop control system architecture for complex tools with real-time networks.
• Develop safety-rated control logic using safety hardware/software.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control system performance in factory and field environments.
• Support manufacturing, field service, and customer applications with documentation and on-site commissioning.
• Lead design reviews and mentor junior engineers and technicians.

Skills

Electrical design

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field

M.S. preferred

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

Our industry-leading vacuum cure ovens, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, and plasma etching tools are driving innovation in a wide range of exciting and growing markets. We look forward to talking with smart, energetic, team-oriented people who can grow with us. We provide competitive salary and benefits (including employee stock ownership), a beautiful light-filled new facility in a central location, and some of the best co-workers you'll find anywhere. If this appeals to you, please read on!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Lead electrical architecture design for semiconductor capital equipment platforms, from concept through production release.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable/harness documentation using CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Solid Works Electrical).
• Select and specify components including power distribution, motor drives, sensors, and safety devices.
• Design and validate power distribution systems
• Set up test and data collection systems for design validation testing and documentation
• Ensure proper UL508A design documentation and compliance (Including SCCR requirements)
• Serve as the product safety lead, ensuring equipment designs comply with SEMI S2 (Environmental, Health, and Safety Guideline for Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment) and SEMI S22 (Safety Guideline for the Electrical Design of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment).
• Apply NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery) throughout panel design, wiring practices, and safety circuit implementation.
• Design and verify UL 508A-compliant industrial control panels, coordinating third-party listings as required.
• Conduct and document Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) activities; develop safety requirements and verify implementation through test.
• Interface with safety certification bodies (UL, TUV, CE) and manage technical file preparation for international compliance (CE, UKCA, SEMI).
• Drive safety design reviews and ensure corrective actions are tracked and closed.
• Define and develop control system architecture for complex semiconductor process tools, including distributed I/O, real-time control networks (Powerlink, EtherCAT, PROFINET, DeviceNet), and safety PLCs.
• Design safety-rated control logic utilizing safety rated hardware and software.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control system performance in factory and field environments.
• Develop motion profiles, electronic cam/gearing functions, and coordinated move sequences.
• Support mechanical engineering in electromechanical design trade studies and design-for-manufacturing reviews.
• Lead design reviews and provide electrical engineering guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, software, and process engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support manufacturing, field service, and customer applications teams with technical documentation and on-site commissioning.
• Manage electrical engineering deliverables to schedule.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field (M.S. preferred
• )8+ years of electrical engineering experience with a minimum of 5 years in semiconductor capital equipment desig
• nDemonstrated hands-on expertise with SEMI S2, NFPA79, CE and UL508a compliance in a product development environmen
• tProven control system architecture experience: requirements definition, hardware selection, network topology design, and full system integratio
• nProficiency in PLC and motion controller programming for industrial automation platforms
• .Strong motion control background: servo system design, drive tuning, multi-axis coordination, and performance optimizatio
• nExperience with safety-rated electrical design (functional safety, Pl assessment, safety relay/PLC implementation
• )Proficiency with electrical CAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical or equivalent) and PLM/document control system
• sAbility to read and produce engineering-quality schematics, wiring diagrams, BOM, and panel layout drawing
• sExcellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical content to cross-functional teams and customer

sPreferred Qualificatio

• nsProfessional Engineer (PE) license or active pursu
• itBackground in semiconductor process equipment such as CVD, PVD, etch, CMP, lithography, or metrology too
• lsExperience with real-time industrial Control Syste
• msKnowledge of vacuum system electrical design, RF power systems, or high-voltage subsyste