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Principal Mechanical Engineer

Veeco Instruments Inc.
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/2/2025 CLOSED ON 1/7/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position at Veeco Instruments Inc.?

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Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location:

US - CA - San Jose

Requisition ID: 19553

About Veeco
You probably don't realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It's a bold statement, but it's true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world's collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us.

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world's leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.

We're looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.

Overview:

Veeco is looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer for our San Jose, CA, location to play a key role in the development of new revolutionary Ion Beam Deposition Products for advanced materials. This person will be expected to drive projects across key cross-functional groups and work closely with key customers and accounts. This person will be a self-starter who has strong technical aptitude, excellent communication skills and will thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This role involves overall system design, automation/robotics, vacuum vessel design, heat transfer, wafer handling, incorporation of OEM power supplies and controllers, as well as many other engineering and design areas. One important area of expertise is deep understanding of metal deposition process, defectivity issues, shields and liners development and design, pressure controls and other aspects required for the state-of-the-art semiconductor processing equipment.

Responsibilities:

  • Act as key team member for product development of semiconductor vacuum processing equipment, responsible for all mechanical design aspects of the equipment, subassemblies and components
  • Provide mechanical engineering expertise, while focusing on design quality, reliability, effective cost, and ease of manufacturing
  • Perform analytical studies and theoretical calculations, requiring a variety of engineering knowledge, including analysis of vacuum vessels, heat transfer, material structural analysis, static and dynamic, fluids, motion mechanisms
  • Evolve new and innovative methods for product development and design by utilizing additive manufacturing
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to complete designs that maximize the benefits using Additive Manufacturing while negotiating tolerance and other capabilities of the technology
  • Prepare presentations and present design concepts, ideas, and test results to internal and external customers
  • Provide expertise in mechanical engineering while participating in design reviews
  • Provide "hands on" assistance and support to the manufacturing team
  • Develop test plans and design of experiments and is directly involved in prototype development and testing
  • Create and release engineering documentation through the ECO process
  • Support Program Management with project flow through the PLC Phase gates

Qualifications:

Master's degree in a Mechanical Engineering and 12 years of related experience or a PhD with 8 years of related experience is required. Capital equipment & semiconductor device knowledge as well as deep understanding of product development cycle are also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Self-directed and possess excellent interpersonal/communication skills
  • Disciplined and effective problem solving and influence skills proven through experience leading process and product improvement teams
  • Collaborative attitude and comfortable with change and ambiguity
  • Must have the ability to work well in a matrixed organization and adapt quickly to change
  • Finite element analysis, both structural and thermal is a must
  • Experience with SAP, or similar PLM system is required
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment as part of a multi-disciplinary team, able to take initiative, own full projects, and/or lead a small project team
  • General knowledge of electrical and software engineering disciplines
  • Knowledge of industrial control systems, sensors, automation, robotics, instrumentation, motion control, motor selection, encoders, electronic packaging, SEMI regulatory standards is a plus
  • Project management experience is a plus
  • Must be hands-on with devices, prototyping, and troubleshooting
  • Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

#LI-KB1


Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $190,000-$240,000, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay. If your salary requirements exceed the advertised range and you remain interested in Veeco, we encourage you to apply or email your resume to
recruiting@veeco.com.


Other benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Life and Accident Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Identity Theft Remediation
  • Emergency Travel Assistance


Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veecois committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.


Notice to Applicants:
All communication about open positions and hiring will come from someone with a @veeco.com email address. You will always have multiple interviews and meet several team members (in-person or virtually) before we present an offer. We may also check references or conduct a background investigation as part of the offer process. We will never ask you for money for any reason, especially to send equipment or for pre-employment training. If you have any questions or concerns, or if someone has reached out to you and you think it might be a scam, please get in touch with us atrecruiting@veeco.com.


Nearest Major Market: San Jose
Nearest Secondary Market: Palo Alto

Apply now

Veeco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

 

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