SVT Associates, Inc. · 2 days ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer / Principal Investigator (PI)
Eden Prairie, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expSVT Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on engineering projects involving ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. The role involves designing custom systems, leading manufacturing execution, and coordinating cross-functional resources to meet project objectives while providing hands-on support during system installations.
ElectronicsManufacturingSemiconductor
Hiring Manager
Loren Chow
Responsibilities
Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple concurrent customer projects
Own the mechanical design and manufacturing execution of highly customized, engineered-to-order UHV systems
Lead projects from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, assembly, testing, delivery and on-site installation
Translate customer requirements into robust, manufacturable mechanical solutions
Make independent technical decisions while appropriately identifying and managing risk
Design complex, custom mechanical systems using SolidWorks
Create detailed drawings and assemblies suitable for fabrication and assembly
Design for manufacturability, serviceability, reliability, and performance in UHV environments
Review and approve drawings, design changes, and technical documentation
Lead manufacturing efforts for custom systems, working closely with assembly technicians and suppliers
Apply strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills to resolve issues inherent in highly customized systems
Diagnose and resolve unforeseen mechanical and integration issues during fabrication, assembly, and system integration
Troubleshooting frequently occurs in a manufacturing and assembly environment, requiring direct, hands-on involvement
Provide on-the-floor engineering support during system build, test, and acceptance
Occasionally travel domestically and internationally (typically once or twice per year, approximately one week per trip) to support final system installation and acceptance at customer sites
Act as project lead, coordinating efforts across engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing
Provide technical direction and day-to-day guidance to assembly technicians and purchasing personnel (dotted-line reporting)
Work closely with vendors and suppliers to resolve technical issues and ensure requirements are met
Participate in internal and customer-facing design reviews as needed
Manage technical scope, priorities, and schedules across multiple projects
Balance performance, cost, and lead-time considerations in design decisions
Ensure system-level affordability while meeting customer and technical requirements
Support continuous improvement of engineering and manufacturing processes
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
10–15 years of professional mechanical engineering experience
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including complex assemblies and detailed drawings
Proven experience owning designs through fabrication and assembly
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manufacturing execution
Comfortable working hands-on in a low-volume, highly customized, engineered-to-order equipment environment
Confident, approachable leadership style with the ability to lead without heavy structure
Strong troubleshooting skills and sound engineering judgment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Experience with UHV systems, vacuum equipment, or precision mechanical systems
Background in custom scientific, semiconductor, or advanced industrial equipment
Supply chain experience, including supplier selection and cost tradeoffs, to support system affordability and schedule requirements
Familiarity with purchasing processes, vendor interactions, and fabrication methods
Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers or technicians
Benefits
Best-in-class health benefits
Company
SVT Associates, Inc.
SVT Associates is a manufacturer of molecular beam epitaxy systems and other thin film deposition equipment.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase