Senior Mechanical Engineer​/Principal Investigator; PI

Senior Mechanical Engineer / Principal Investigator (PI)

Location:

Eden Prairie, MN, Onsite

Department:
Engineering

Reports to:

SVTA General Manager

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on multiple engineering projects involving highly customized, engineered-to-order ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. In this role, the engineer is expected to design these systems and lead their manufacture, taking full ownership from initial concept through fabrication, assembly, testing, delivery and on-site installation support.

This is a hands‑on role suited for an experienced engineer who thrives in an environment where each system is unique and where engineering judgment, practical problem‑solving, and leadership on the manufacturing floor are essential. As a PI, the engineer is responsible not only for mechanical design, but also for guiding manufacturing execution, resolving issues during build and integration, and coordinating cross‑functional resources to meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives.

The role includes domestic and international travel to customer sites to support tool installation, integration, and acceptance.

While prior experience with UHV equipment is not required, this role requires a level of experience and maturity consistent with approximately 10–15 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.

• 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 Solid Works
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• 10–15 years of professional mechanical engineering experience
• Strong proficiency in Solid Works, including complex assemblies and detailed drawings
• Proven experience owning designs through fabrication and assembly
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manufacturing execution
• Comfortable…