What are the responsibilities and job description for the Motion Control & Drives (Mechatronics) Engineer — Precision Air-Bearing Stages position at OAV Air Bearings?
Company Description
OAV Air Bearings specializes in providing state-of-the-art motion systems, air bearings, optomechanics, and advanced engineering solutions. With a focus on precision and innovation, OAV delivers reliable products that serve a diverse range of industries. Known for dependability and technical excellence, the company continues to set benchmarks in engineering and manufacturing excellence. OAV Air Bearings is committed to delivering high-quality solutions for its global clients.
About the Role
OAV Air Bearings next-generation frictionless precision motion systems—air-bearing XY/XYZ/XYZθ stages, rotary stages, and integrated motion modules for advanced automation, optics, and semiconductor-adjacent applications. We’re hiring a hands-on engineer who can bridge servo performance and electrical/drive integration to deliver sub-micron motion with robust reliability.
Responsibilities
Mechanical Design Stage architecture
- Stage architecture (gantry/stacked XY Z), stiffness/mass optimization, granite/aluminum structures, cable management, vibration isolation
- GD&T for sub-micron assemblies, tolerance stack-ups, assembly strategy, cleanliness/contamination control
Motion control & performance
- Design and tune multi-axis servo systems: PID feedforward, filters/notch, resonance handling, disturbance rejection, settling-time optimization
- Implement and refine motion profiles: S-curve / jerk-limited trajectories, contouring, following error control, smooth scanning
- Translate performance targets into measurable results (bandwidth, settling, straightness, repeatability, error motion)
Drives, electrical integration & feedback
- Select and integrate motors and amplifiers: linear motors, voice coils, torque motors, braking/regen considerations
- Own feedback chain integrity: encoder interfaces, differential signaling, shielding, grounding, EMI troubleshooting
- Design system wiring architecture: connectors, harnessing, power distribution, safety circuits, E-stop/interlocks, fault handling
Systems integration
- Design and Partner with mechanical and metrology teams to reduce Abbe errors, manage resonances, and validate full-stage performance
- Build test/diagnostics workflows: logging, tuning guides, performance characterization, acceptance procedures
- Support prototype builds through productization (DFM/DFT for motion electrical)
Qualifications
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls, Robotics, or related field SolidWorks Experience
- Strong experience in precision motion servo control (multi-axis tuning, feedforward, filtering, resonance management)
- Proven ability integrating motors drives encoders with strong wiring, grounding, and EMI practices
- Comfortable with lab tools (oscilloscope, FFT tools, current probes) and motion logging/analysis
- Precision stage experience ( linear motors, granite structures, vibration isolation)
- Metrology exposure (laser interferometry, capacitive sensors, calibration workflows)
- Safety standards familiarity (machine safety concepts, risk assessments)
- Programming: C/C , Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or real-time environments
How to Apply Email your resume to jobs@oav.co with the subject line: Motion Control & Drives (Mechatronics) Engineer