JOB DESCRIPTION
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Axcelis is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and deliver critical hardware for next-generation semiconductor capital equipment. In this role, you will own subsystem designs and drive end-to-end engineering execution, developing solutions that directly impact tool performance, wafer-level outcomes, and customer productivity.
You will work on tightly integrated electromechanical systems where mechanical design directly impacts system performance, throughput, and reliability, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver differentiated technology to leading semiconductor manufacturers.
Role Focus and Impact
- Own end-to-end design, development, and validation of mechanical subsystems
- Translate system and process requirements into robust hardware solutions
- Directly influence performance, yield, and reliability at the system and customer level
- Operate as a system thinker, connecting mechanical design decisions to overall tool behavior
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical subsystems and assemblies for advanced semiconductor equipment
- Own engineering execution from concept through validation and release, delivering complete solutions to technical challenges
- Translate system-level and process requirements into clear mechanical design requirements
- Perform design tradeoffs and risk assessments, selecting optimal solutions based on performance, cost, and schedule
- Conduct engineering analyses (tolerance, thermal, structural), validating designs through both simulation and first-principles calculations
- Plan and execute structured testing and validation, including prototype builds and experimental characterization
- Analyze test and field data to identify trends, validate performance, and drive design improvements
- Collaborate cross-functionally with process, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver integrated solutions
- Troubleshoot complex system issues using root cause methods and data-driven approaches
- Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and SEMI/safety requirements
- Communicate design decisions, technical risks, and progress to stakeholders with clarity and ownership
Required Qualifications
- BS in Mechanical Engineering required (MS preferred)
- 8–12+ years of experience designing complex electromechanical systems
- Demonstrated ownership of subsystems or major components in a product development environment
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM tools (Creo/Windchill or equivalent)
- Solid experience with mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and engineering fundamentals
- Working knowledge of FEA and analytical methods for design validation (Ansys preferred)
- Ability to independently drive design work while collaborating across teams
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Preferred Experience
- Semiconductor capital equipment or vacuum system design
- Precision motion, robotics, wafer handling, or automation systems
- Experience in new product development (NPI) environments with fast iteration cycles
- Exposure to high-reliability systems and customer-driven requirements
- Familiarity with SEMI standards and cleanroom design considerations
Why Join Axcelis
- Own meaningful portions of a complex system—not just individual parts
- Work on high-value, differentiated technology used by leading chip manufacturers
- Gain experience in both detailed mechanical design and system-level integration
- Collaborate in a highly technical, execution-focused engineering culture
- Clear path to advancement into Principal and Staff engineering roles
What We Are Looking For
- A high-performing individual contributor who takes pride in delivering robust designs
- An engineer who understands how detail-level decisions impact system-level performance
- Someone who thrives in technically challenging, fast-paced development environments
- A collaborator who raises the bar through strong engineering discipline and design reviews
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$121,050.08 - $181,575.12
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on
multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work
location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as
you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the
Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular
employees working 20+ hours a week).
