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Principal Mechanical Engineer - R&D

MKS Inc.
Methuen, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/24/2026 CLOSED ON 6/29/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Mechanical Engineer - R&D position at MKS Inc.?

A Day in Your Life at MKS:


As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will support the development of next generation technologies that enable new market applications. You will provide technical leadership to a team of mechanical engineers implementing innovative solutions to complex thermal, structural and packaging design challenges. This opportunity will encompass multiple product families that include high power electronics, remote plasma sources, microwave delivery systems, and ozone generators. In this role, you will report to the Advanced Technology Group.

As a curious, successful candidate you will operate independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, dynamic, highly technical environment and work on cross-functional projects. You are highly self-motivated and capable of combining the efforts of the team to support innovative designs and differentiated technology.

You Will Make an Impact By:

  • Working as part of a technical / scientific team responsible for the mechanical design, modeling, testing, and packaging of next-generation complex electro-mechanical components and integrated sub-systems.

  • Developing innovative designs for prototypes of new technologies, with an eye to future cost effectiveness and manufacturability.

  • Analyzing thermal and structural performance using FEA simulation.

  • Communicating effectively with both a cross-functional development team and project management in oral and written forms.

  • Communicating effectively with manufacturing vendors to discuss strategies for the fabrication of complex mechanical designs.

  • Ensuring products meet applicable design requirements.


Skills You Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering required with 8 years of experience

  • Solid understanding of heat transfer mechanisms with knowledge of the corresponding materials and cooling methodologies

  • Skilled with the design and test of complex mechanical systems from requirements to realization

  • Strong technical communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills

  • Expert level SolidWorks user

  • Knowledge of advanced machining techniques

  • Ability to understand and manage tradeoffs between cost, performance, and schedule


Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with CFD techniques

  • Ability to perform geometric tolerancing

  • Advanced knowledge of aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic materials

  • Understanding of electrical power handling, especially in the realm of dielectrics and electrical clearances (EN 61010)

  • Semiconductor manufacturing industry background

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $ 126,200.00 - 210,350.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

Benefits:

Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off

Salary : $126,200 - $210,350

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