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 - $181,575.12This 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).
Skills Required
- BS in Mechanical Engineering
- MS in Mechanical Engineering
- 8-12+ years designing complex electromechanical systems
- Demonstrated ownership of subsystems or major components in product development
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD and PLM tools (Creo/Windchill or equivalent)
- Mechanism design, tolerance analysis, and solid engineering fundamentals
- Working knowledge of FEA and analytical methods for design validation
- Ansys (preferred) for FEA
- Ability to independently drive design work and collaborate across teams
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Semiconductor capital equipment or vacuum system design experience
- Experience with precision motion, robotics, wafer handling, or automation systems
- New product development (NPI) experience
- Familiarity with SEMI standards and cleanroom design considerations
Axcelis Technologies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Axcelis Technologies and has not been reviewed or approved by Axcelis Technologies.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is considered robust, with medical (PPO), dental, and company‑paid life and disability coverage included. Coverage quality is characterized as strong across core offerings.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with employer match in the U.S. and compliant retirement plans internationally. These offerings support long‑term savings across regions.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is accessible via an Employee Stock Purchase Plan available to employees in multiple countries. This ownership avenue is positioned as a notable component of total rewards.
Axcelis Technologies Insights
What We Do
Axcelis Technologies, Inc. is a world-leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor manufacturing industry. For over forty five years, chipmakers from around the globe have relied on Axcelis' tools and process expertise to form the transistors that power all electronics - from smartphones and laptops, cameras, personal music players and more. Our equipment portfolio comprises a powerful suite of manufacturing technologies for ion implantation, one of the most critical steps in the IC manufacturing process. In addition, we provide extensive aftermarket service and support, including spare parts, equipment upgrades, maintenance services, and customer training. Our customers include all of the 20 largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world. More than 3000 of our products are in use worldwide. At our Advanced Technology Center in Beverly, Mass., we collaborate with customers and other industry experts to develop next-generation applications and process capabilities. We support our customers with a worldwide network of 38 field offices in 10 countries. In all that we do, our strategy is singular: align every Axcelis innovation and success with our customers' goals. We strive to understand the entirety of their challenges and stand ready to deliver the technology, service and support they need to succeed.
