Staff Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RENA North America in Albany, Oregon, is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead complex mechanical system designs from concept through production. This role collaborates with manufacturing on the shop floor to ensure successful build and integration of equipment and mentors junior engineers.

The ideal candidate has broad experience in advanced system design, strong communication skills, and a track record of managing multiple projects with professionalism and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 15+ years’ experience in mechanical systems design – 20+ years and / or Master’s Degree preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of common engineering concepts, practices, procedures, and quality systems
• Expert-level knowledge of Solidworks 3D modeling practices
• High level of comfort with mechanical analyses of all types (thermal, structural, vibration, flow, etc. both by hand and by CAE)
• Thorough understanding of Design For X principles (DFx): manufacturability, test, reliability, serviceability, etc.
• Demonstrable experience as Project manager
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• At least 5 years team leadership and mentorship experience
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Applications
• 5 years’ experience in Semi-conductor tool industry a plus

Responsibilities

• Create all engineering documents including advanced plumbing system schematics, Bill of Materials, 3D Solidworks solid models, simulations and analyses, test procedures, root cause analyses, etc.
• Lead large and complex engineering design projects with particular focus on building on existing product platforms and configure-to-order jobs
• Design for simplicity leveraging robust project management, quality and product development methods and best practices scaled appropriately to each project
• Communicate clearly with internal and external team members globally
• Create high quality easily readable documents for internal and external readers
• Handle multiple projects at a time while also overseeing projects run by more junior engineers
• Exhibit strong presence on the shop floor working with manufacturing engineers during design and manufacture of equipment
• Demonstrate exceptional professionalism and mechanical aptitude
• Approve and initialize all design standards
• Provide mentorship and training to design team members

Skills

SolidWorks 3D modeling

Mechanical analysis (thermal/structure

DFx principles

Project management

Leadership & mentorship

Communication

Microsoft Office

Semiconductor tool industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

15+ years experience in mechanical systems design

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

CAE software

Job description

Position Summary:

The Staff Mechanical Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for driving complex mechanical system designs from concept through production. This role leads large-scale engineering projects with a strong emphasis on advancing existing product platforms and delivering configure‑to‑order solutions. The engineer creates comprehensive engineering documentation—including advanced plumbing schematics, 3D SolidWorks models, analyses, test procedures, and root-cause investigations—while ensuring the highest standards of quality, clarity, and technical rigor.

In addition to delivering individual project work, the Staff Mechanical Engineer provides technical leadership across the engineering team, mentoring junior engineers, establishing design standards, and promoting best practices in mechanical design, DFx principles, and project management. The position requires regular hands‑on collaboration with manufacturing engineers on the shop floor to ensure successful build and integration of equipment.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechanical engineering, extensive experience in advanced system design and analysis, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. This role contributes significantly to product excellence and organizational capability by modeling professionalism, accountability, and technical excellence

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create all engineering documents including advanced plumbing system schematics, Bill of Materials, 3D Solidworks solid models, simulations and analyses, test procedures, root cause analyses, etc.
• Lead large and complex engineering design projects with particular focus on building on existing product platforms and configure-to-order jobs
• Design for simplicity leveraging robust project management, quality and product development methods and best practices scaled appropriately to each project
• Communicate clearly with internal and external team members globally
• Create high quality easily readable documents for internal and external readers
• Handle multiple projects at a time while also overseeing projects run by more junior engineers
• Exhibit strong presence on the shop floor working with manufacturing engineers during design and manufacture of equipment
• Demonstrate exceptional professionalism and mechanical aptitude
• Approve and initialize all design standards
• Provide mentorship and training to design team members

Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 15+ years’ experience in mechanical systems design – 20+ years and / or Master’s Degree preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of common engineering concepts, practices, procedures, and quality systems
• Expert-level knowledge of Solidworks 3D modeling practices
• High level of comfort with mechanical analyses of all types (thermal, structural, vibration, flow, etc. both by hand and by CAE)
• Thorough understanding of Design For X principles (DFx): manufacturability, test, reliability, serviceability, etc.
• Demonstrable experience as Project manager
• Excellent time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• At least 5 years team leadership and mentorship experience
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Applications
• 5 years’ experience in Semi-conductor tool industry a plus

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

Standard office environment including work at a computer terminal. Work involves extended periods of sitting, occasional walking, stooping, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Requirements:

Must be able to work in a highly functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service RENA’s customers have come to expect.

This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by the incumbent and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

RENA North America is committed to Equal Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on any basis protected by law.