Mechanical Engineering Technical Lead (System Integration)

Advantest America, a leading Semiconductor Test and Measurement Company, is seeking innovative and self-driven individuals to join our US Research & Venture Team. This team is part of a global initiative to integrate advances in electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and AI/Machine Learning technologies into our test and measurement solutions across the semiconductor value chain.

We are seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer to perform a broad range of complex engineering functions related to the design, testing, and evaluation of mechanical, optical, and thermal systems for semiconductor testing. This includes systems with semiconductors, photonics, and embedded devices. As a Mechanical Engineering Lead on the Research & Venture Team you will work collaboratively with other Advantest technology groups, Business Units, partners, and suppliers to develop and integrate advanced mechanical technologies into Advantest's automated test systems.

Your responsibilities will include conducting feasibility studies, developing engineering prototypes and testing new and modified designs. You will be assigned independent mechanical design projects, allowing for innovation and technical leadership. You will be involved in product development teams, providing direction and training to junior staff and contractors. Additionally, you may address field issues and provide guidance to field teams.

This position is based at our headquarters in San Jose, CA, and requires periodic travel for customer visits and collaboration.

• Develop and implement mechanical engineering designs for new semiconductor test systems and components, including cooling solutions for electronics.
• Perform mechanical and thermal design and analysis of components such as sockets, interposers, heat sinks, and pedestals.
• Conduct integration testing, qualifications, and hands-on evaluation of prototype systems and sub-assemblies.
• Create and manage test specifications and evaluation protocols, initiate engineering change order requests.
• Interpret functional test results and present findings to senior technical staff.
• Present designs during design and customer reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality assurance, and technical support teams to establish functional specifications and select suppliers for components and assemblies.
• Provide guidance to lower-level staff, recommending and designing innovations, improved methods, tools, and processes.
• Participate in the preparation of patent applications and memos of invention for trade secrets.
• Act as a customer contact on selective technical matters and analyze customer requirements.
• Identify risk areas and optimization opportunities.
• Take on project ownership and management; determine technology requirements and develop strategies.
• Drive design completion, provide design inputs, and work closely with external technology partners on projects.
• Create test plans, procure necessary collaterals, and oversee test execution.
• Maintain project schedules, including keeping the Gantt chart current and ensuring effective handoffs to Applications, Design, and Manufacturing.
• Conduct top-level tolerance analysis and function as an expert consultant when needed.
• May be assigned independent mechanical design projects and all other duties and tasks as required.

Required

• BS in Mechanical, Thermal, or Physics; MS in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• BS + 10 years min or MS + 7 years min in the Semiconductor Test industry, semiconductor capital equipment or high-technology environments.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams developing test systems with electrical and software components.
• Expertise with automation: pick and place handlers, handler kits, design trade-offs
• Expertise with mechanical chassis, rack design and integration to house Electrical and Optical devices
• Proficient in SolidWorks and other CAD toolsets; SolidWorks simulation experience required.
• Strong background in thermal systems, including conducting and convection-based mechanisms.
• Knowledge of heat transfer basics, computational fluid dynamics, FEA basics.
• Experience in thermal simulation and analysis.
• Familiarity with FMEA, and tolerance analysis (Worst case, RSS, etc.).
• Strong analysis and synthesis capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, alongside strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Competent in multitasking, prioritizing, and managing time effectively.
• Ability to travel as required.

Desired

• MS in Mechanical, Thermal, or Physics.
• Experience with Designing Compact Mechanisms
• Experience with electronic packaging, testing, and integrating thermal systems into automated handling.
• Experience in WindChill PLC is desirable.
• Expertise in working with heaters, Peltier technology, heatsinks, sockets, two-phase cooling, cryogenics, and designing systems for condensation abatement and airflow uniformity.
• Experience with designing, certifying, and deploying semiconductor capital equipment.
• Understanding of AIS manufacturing capabilities and methods.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams building complex test systems with motion control hardware, electrical, and software components.
• Intermediate software skills, including experiment instrumentation and execution (meters, power supplies, IR camera, force, etc.).
• Ability to read, write, and speak Japanese.