Electrical Engineer III

Cohu•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Cohu is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer III to lead electrical design for advanced semiconductor automation equipment. The role owns the electrical design of machine-level systems and submodules, from defining requirements and guiding execution through build, troubleshooting, and production. It includes translating machine architecture into detailed panel and wiring requirements, coordinating project plans and schedules, and providing technical leadership and review for wire engineers. The engineer is responsible for system-level electrical requirements, including drives, encoders, sensors, I/O, interlocks, and safety controllers, and supports field installations and technical escalations. The position covers panel and wiring design, including panel layouts, wire routing and noise segregation, power distribution and protection, and E-chain design. It also supports panel and module builds through technical documentation, design review, and troubleshooting. The engineer guides implementation of NFPA 79 and SEMI S2 requirements, including zoned safety-controller design and wiring practices. Occasional domestic or international travel may be required. The role requires prolonged periods sitting at a computer terminal and using a keyboard; protective devices are required in designated areas. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer-sponsored visa sponsorship now or in the future. Estimated base pay is $90,000–$115,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. The role may also be eligible for other compensation programs under company policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
At least 5 years of experience designing complex industrial electrical systems.
Experience with electrical CAD tools such as Altium, DraftSight 2D, AutoCAD Electrical, or EPLAN.
Legal authorization to work in the United States without employer-sponsored visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

8 years of experience designing complex industrial electrical systems is preferred.
Altium experience is preferred.
Experience with custom integrated flat-cable assemblies with built-in support, such as Bizlink or Igus.
Experience producing certification documentation for SEMI S2/NFPA 79 assessments and working with certification agencies.

Responsibilities

Own the electrical design of machine-level systems and submodules, define high-level requirements, and guide resources through execution, build, and troubleshooting.
Translate high-level machine architecture into detailed panel and wiring requirements.
Develop project plans and schedules, assign tasks to wire engineers, and track and follow up on progress.
Provide technical leadership to wire engineers and review cable drawings, schematics, I/O maps, and timing diagrams for accuracy and technical execution while ensuring cost targets are achieved.
Understand module operation at the system level, including motor drives, encoders, sensors, I/O, safety interlocks, and safety controllers; own electrical requirements and troubleshoot issues through resolution.
Support field installations and technical escalations.
Design panel layouts and wire routing with appropriate noise segregation for AC/DC and power/signal wiring.
Design power-distribution and protection wiring, including circuit breakers, GFCI, wire cross-section sizing, and appropriate fuse and breaker practices and placement.
Complete E-chain design, including cable selection, fill rules, and separation.
Provide technical content for panel builds and review built panels for correct routing.
Troubleshoot machine-level electrical and build issues.
Guide implementation of NFPA 79 and SEMI S2 design rules from the beginning of design.
Guide implementation of wiring practices in accordance with SEMI and NFPA 79.
Guide implementation of safety-controller design with zoned safety operation in accordance with SEMI S2 requirements.