Cohu is a world leader in semiconductor handling equipment used to test ICs. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 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.
- May lead development of modules or sub-assemblies using system engineering methods to support clear requirements and multi-discipline interfaces
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 10+ 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.
Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $115,000-170,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu’s good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this role upon hire. This role may also be eligible for other compensation programs as determined by company policy.
Featured benefits
Medical, dental & vision insurance
401(k) with company matching contributions
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Tuition assistance
Disability & life insurance
Profit Sharing
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical design
- Strong background in mechanism design (gears, racks, bearings, actuators, linkages, motors, cylinders, vacuum components)
- 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
- Perform mechanical analysis, testing, and create detailed drawings, assemblies, BOMs, and engineering documentation
- Ability to develop/maintain project requirements, specifications, schedules, and budgets
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and designers
- Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to direct drafters/designers and collaborate cross-functionally
- Proficiency with MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Project
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs occasionally and work in a lab environment
- Experience selecting, evaluating, and qualifying vendor components for performance and reliability
- Familiarity with reliability engineering methods (MTBF, FMEA)
- Exposure to thermal systems, heat transfer, CFD, or thermal-mechanical FEA
- Ability to interpret and analyze lab or field system data
Cohu, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cohu, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Cohu, Inc..
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Retirement Support — A company-sponsored 401(k) with employer matching contributions is described in filings, supporting long-term savings. Company materials also highlight retirement programs as part of a comprehensive package.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase plan with a discounted lookback feature is outlined, expanding access to ownership. This structure can enhance total rewards value beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Company materials outline robust paid time off programs and parental leave for all new parents. Time-off programs are presented as part of a comprehensive, globally relevant benefits suite.
Cohu, Inc. Insights
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.
