Senior System Engineer

MAIN OBJECTIVES

• Translate complex customer and market requirements into robust mechatronic and robotic system concepts that balance performance, reliability, usability, and cost of ownership.
• Drive multi‑disciplinary system-level innovation by integrating mechanical, electrical, thermal, motion-control, and software domains into cohesive machine platforms.
• Moderate cross-functional concept development workshops and guide teams through structured decision-making under uncertainty.
• Evaluate feasibility and risk of new concepts using first-principles physics and empirical modeling.
• Ensure full-system traceability from requirements to implementation and maintain architectural integrity throughout the development lifecycle for a fully integrated robotic product.
• Act as a technical authority and mentor for interdisciplinary engineering teams during the development of complex mechatronic and robotic systems.
• Drive development schedules of module and platform development projects aligned to overall program and project dates to meet committed demonstration and ship dates.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct system-level requirement analysis and author technical specifications and design briefs for robotic/mechatronic platforms, machines, and modules
• Lead the evaluation and selection of technical concepts in collaboration with domain experts across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines, based on functional, economic, and risk criteria
• Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility between mechanical, electrical, and software-controlled subsystems
• Guide the development of subsystem concepts and validate their feasibility through analytical modeling and simulation
• Facilitate design reviews and ensure that development progress aligns with system-level integration objectives
• Drive risk assessments and initiate necessary pre-development or technology validation activities
• Ensure compliance with certification requirements (e.g., CE, SEMI, RoHS) and support the preparation of documentation
• Support patent applications and the protection of intellectual property arising from system-level innovations
• Present technical solutions and resolve system-level issues in collaboration with customers and stakeholders

ESSENTIAL QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

• Strategic and systems-level thinking with the ability to balance technical depth and cross-domain integration across mechanical, electrical, and software system
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions under ambiguity using physical principles and engineering judgment
• Excellent communication and moderation skills to lead interdisciplinary teams through complex trade-off
• Proactive mindset for identifying innovation opportunities and system improvement
• Commitment to technical excellence, documentation, and knowledge transfer
• Customer-oriented thinking and ability to represent the company in technical discussion

AUTHORITY Lead modules and system-level integration development for the TH team under the Director of Engineering.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (PhD, MSc, MEng, etc. desired).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the system-level leadership of complex mechatronic or robotic system development, ideally in semiconductor backend equipment.
• Minimum of 5 years as a direct engineer in a discipline.
• Proven track record in system engineering for multi-domain machine development, machine concept development, and cross-functional engineering leadership.
• Deep understanding of thermal systems, motion control, sensor integration, embedded control, and machine intelligence, and how these interact in a robotic product.
• Experience with requirement engineering, risk management, and certification processes.
• Strong knowledge of modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), CAE, and system simulation.
• Excellent English communication skills; German and/or French is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 20%

With more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer challenging and rewarding work experiences, generous employee benefits and a strong company culture. If you are looking for a global publicly traded company that provides you with international experience and a challenging work environment, then Cohu is your choice. Connect with Cohu…Connect with your future…

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