Principal Product Design Engineer

Fabworx Solutions is an Austin, Texas-based design and manufacturing firm specializing in yield and productivity improvement products for 300mm, 200mm, and 150mm semiconductor fabrication customers worldwide. The team brings together diverse engineering disciplines with a strong focus on process tool robotics, automation, wafer handling, and particle reduction. With over fifteen years of proven success, Fabworx uses root-cause engineering to design and manufacture upgraded replacement parts that enhance overall tool performance.

The company collaborates closely with customers to understand their hardware‑based yield and productivity challenges and deliver tailored solutions. Fabworx supports clients globally through a network of engineers, technicians, distributors, and sales representatives.

Fabworx is looking for a Principal Product Design Engineer to lead the design and development of innovative products for the semiconductor equipment industry. This position is based in Austin, Texas and will be responsible for transforming customer needs, field discoveries, and internal innovation initiatives into commercially successful products.

The successful candidate will serve as one of our most senior technical contributors, combining strong mechanical engineering expertise with product development leadership. This role works closely with Customer Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Sales, and Executive Leadership to develop solutions that are reliable, manufacturable, scalable, and differentiated in the market.

Fabworx is a dynamic, growing business in a highly complex industry, and the right candidate is someone who enjoys solving difficult technical problems, developing new products, improving engineering processes, and helping the company adopt modern engineering tools and technologies.

Compensation will consist of a base salary with eligibility for company bonus programs.

• Lead product development projects from concept through production release.
• Design and develop automation equipment, end effectors, material handling solutions, and semiconductor manufacturing support equipment.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of material, specifications, and design documentation.
• Conduct design reviews, engineering validation activities, and product qualification efforts.
• Ensure products are designed for manufacturability, serviceability, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
• Support existing product improvements and customer-driven enhancements.
• Develop engineering standards, templates, and best practices that improve quality and efficiency.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Operations to improve prototype‑to‑production transitions.
• Support customer design reviews, supplier development activities, and technical problem resolution.
• Mentor engineers, designers, and technical staff through design reviews and project execution.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and digital tools to improve engineering productivity, knowledge management, documentation, and decision‑making.
• Support Fabworx innovation initiatives and help convert qualified opportunities into successful products.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of product design and development experience.
• Strong background in semiconductor equipment, automation systems, industrial equipment, robotics, or precision machinery.
• Advanced proficiency with Solid Works and engineering documentation systems.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, structural analysis, and mechanical design principles.
• Experience managing products through the complete product lifecycle.
• Proven ability to lead complex cross‑functional engineering projects.
• Strong communication and customer‑facing skills.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems preferred.
• Semiconductor industry experience strongly preferred.
• Interest in applying AI and modern digital tools to engineering workflows.

We know there are strong candidates who may not meet every requirement listed and who have important…