Staff Mechanical Engineer

Cfsenergy; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cfsenergy is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the R&D team in Milpitas, California. This role involves leading complex projects related to thin-film deposition technology and advanced thermal-vacuum systems.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, proficient in 3D modeling and thermal simulation tools. The position offers opportunities for mentorship and technical leadership across various teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems.
• Expertise in high-temperature structural design and complex thermal management.
• Proven capability in vacuum systems and material out-gassing.

Responsibilities

• Drive design, integration, and validation of R&D equipment.
• Act as Technical Lead on cross-functional projects.
• Mentor junior colleagues for their technical growth.

Skills

Expert-level mastery of core mechanical engineering functions

Deep technical focus on thin-film processing hardware

Experience with 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX)

Familiarity with FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS)

Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

COMSOL

ANSYS

Job description

Staff Mechanical Engineer

We’re looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D and equipment design team to help build the next generation of thin‑film deposition technology. Serving as the “Second Chair” within our engineering group, you will be a high‑impact technical leader who leads by example, solving highly complex, semi‑ambiguous problems that influence the success of multiple teams.

You will be responsible for the end‑to‑end design, integration, and implementation of advanced thermal‑vacuum deposition systems and complex R&D machinery. Operating with near‑complete independence, you will manage long‑term assignments with loosely‑defined outcomes, balancing expert‑level technical execution with the operational discipline required to ship high‑performance hardware.

Responsibilities

• Own System Execution:
  • Drive the design, integration, and validation of advanced R&D equipment for thin‑film processing, taking independent ownership of long‑term projects and major mechanical sub‑systems.
  • Act as Technical Lead & Responsible Engineer (RE):
    • Provide technical leadership on complex, cross‑functional projects, leading small project groups and serving as a discipline‑specific advisor.
  • Solve Highly Complex Problems:
    • Address ambiguous technical challenges impacting multiple groups, proactively removing project barriers and generating novel solutions.
  • Plan & Organize Milestones:
    • Generate detailed work plans and milestones for complex and semi‑ambiguous hardware developments.
  • Standardize Best Practices & Policies:
    • Drive continuous process improvement, tool development, and department policies using semiconductor standards as your guide.
  • Manage Project Risk:
    • Independently manage medium risks, identify larger system risks, and drive the development of robust mitigation solutions.
  • Collaborate & Influence:
    • Build strong relationships across departments, effectively communicating highly complex concepts to diverse audiences and resolving cross‑functional conflicts to achieve alignment.
  • Mentor Talent:
    • Actively mentor junior colleagues, taking direct ownership of their technical growth and skill development.
  • Deliver with Speed:
    • Translate system‑level requirements into innovative concepts, driving projects efficiently from initial design through assembly, testing, and implementation.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent industrial experience).
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of experience in the design and implementation of complex R&D systems or semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Domain Expertise:
  • Expert-level mastery of core mechanical engineering functions with a deep technical focus on thin‑film processing hardware or vacuum systems.
  • Proven capability in high‑temperature structural design and complex thermal management within vacuum environments.
  • Deep understanding of vacuum architecture, including material out‑gassing, seal integrity, and pump‑down optimization.
  • Expertise in 3D modeling (SolidWorks and/or NX) and familiarity with leveraging FEA/Thermal simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS) to make data‑driven decisions.
  • Ability to bridge the gap between design and the shop floor, including experience with manual/CNC machining, prototyping, and hardware troubleshooting.
  • Experience selecting and qualifying global vendors for specialized components or custom sub‑systems.
• Semiconductor Background:
  • Prior success building first‑of‑kind or experimental tools for semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with applying SEMI, ASME, ASTM, and other industry‑standard mechanical codes to hardware designs.
  • Experience designing precision motion and motor‑controlled systems within challenging environments.
• Physical Demands & Travel:
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Perform activities such as stooping, climbing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate industrial hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, and cryogenics.
  • Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on‑call occasionally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.

Export Control

This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, “Export Control Laws”). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.