Cohu is a world leader in semiconductor handling equipment used to test ICs. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with strong expertise in automation equipment design, mechanisms, and electromechanical systems.
This role focuses on developing innovative mechanical solutions for new product introductions and enhancing our existing automation platforms. We’re looking for someone who is creative, hands-on, and excited about engineering complex automation systems.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Product Development
- Conceptualize, design, and develop automation and mechanical technologies, including prototypes, testing, and transfer to high‑volume production.
- Lead engineering efforts for new and existing mechanical and electromechanical systems.
- Improve and optimize current designs, assemblies, and processes.
Engineering Analysis & Documentation
- Perform mechanical analysis to validate design feasibility and risk.
- Create detailed drawings, assemblies, BOMs, alignment procedures, and engineering documentation.
- Conduct functional, reliability, and performance testing.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work with mechanical, electrical, software, and vision engineering teams, both locally and remotely.
- Interface with operations, sales, customers, and other Cohu business units.
- Select, evaluate and qualify new vendor components for performance and reliability.
Project Leadership
- Participate in all phases of development: requirements, design, integration, test, deployment, and support.
- Develop and maintain project requirements, specs, schedules, and budgets.
- Manage timelines, design reviews, and functional specifications for new sub-assemblies.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and designers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical design.
- Strong background in mechanism design, including gears, racks, bearings, actuators, linkages, motors, cylinders, vacuum components, etc.
- Experience developing automation or robotic systems.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation.
- Working knowledge of materials, coatings, plastics, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and design for manufacturability.
Preferred Skills (Nice-to-Have)
- Exposure to thermal systems, heat transfer, CFD, or thermal-mechanical FEA.
- Experience with MTBF, FMEA, or reliability engineering.
- Ability to interpret and analyze lab data or field system data.
Soft Skills & Tools
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to direct drafters/designers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- “Big picture” engineering approach, with strong creativity and problem‑solving skills.
- Proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Project.
Work Conditions
- Up to 15% domestic and international travel.
- Lab environment with intermittent noise.
- Extended periods at a computer workstation.
- Able to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
What We Do
Cohu is a leading supplier of semiconductor test and inspection & metrology handlers, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) test modules, test contactors, thermal sub-systems and semiconductor automated test equipment used by global semiconductor and electronics manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors. Our product portfolio is focused on increasing yield, reducing cost of test, and accelerating time-to-market. Cohu is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: COHU) global company with headquarters in Poway, CA. We have a global footprint with ~3,000 employees. We are the leading supplier of Semiconductor Test and Inspection & Metrology Handlers and Test Contactors. We have market leadership in RF Power Amplifier/Front-End Module Testing.
