Manager, R&D Engineering

Mycronic USA • Torrance, CA

2d • $190 - $220

About The Position

Mycronic is seeking an experienced Manager, R&D Engineering to lead the engineering team in Surfx Mycronic’s Applied Plasma business line within the Global Technologies division. Surfx Mycronic develops atmospheric argon plasma systems for high-volume manufacturing of integrated circuits, semiconductor packages, printed circuit boards, and other microelectronic devices. Its automated equipment supports surface cleaning, activation, and metal oxide removal.

This hands-on leadership role will lead the development and continuous improvement of plasma technology and automated equipment platforms, translating advanced concepts into reliable, manufacturable, and scalable products for semiconductor manufacturing. The manager will oversee the full product development lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, validation, and production release. The role also provides technical guidance, develops engineering talent, improves product development processes, and collaborates across functions to meet performance, quality, reliability, and customer requirements while supporting business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience leading engineering teams and multidisciplinary projects, providing technical direction, developing talent, and driving projects from concept through production release.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to build cross-functional relationships and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams.
• Experience developing complex electromechanical systems, automated equipment, process equipment, or capital equipment.
• Strong understanding of system design and integration, including mechanical and electrical components, controls, automation, and precision equipment.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation, design reviews, technical specifications, risk assessment, and continuous improvement processes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing equipment in the semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing industry.
• Experience with plasma technology, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, robotics, wafer handling, precision motion systems, or related technologies.
• Experience collaborating with commercial and manufacturing teams, including international operations partners in Taiwan or across Asia.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the R&D Engineering team by setting priorities and expectations, providing technical guidance, mentoring engineers, and strengthening team capabilities.
• Establish technical ownership, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation across new product development, sustaining engineering, and customer-driven projects.
• Partner with executive leadership and Product Management to translate business priorities and customer needs into engineering programs.
• Lead design, prototyping, testing, and productization of plasma engines and subsystems, including electrodes, gas and power delivery, thermal management, and materials.
• Ensure plasma engine performance meets semiconductor process requirements and supports commercially viable products.
• Direct architecture and integration of semiconductor production systems, including wafer and substrate handling, tape-frame handling, robotics, controls, and precision motion systems.
• Ensure mechanical, electrical, controls, automation, and plasma subsystems integrate into a reliable, safe platform meeting performance, throughput, and uptime requirements.
• Translate product requirements into system and subsystem specifications, interface controls, and verification plans, maintaining technical ownership throughout development.
• Drive engineering practices including design reviews, design of experiments (DOE), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), design for manufacturability and serviceability (DFM/DFS), and reliability engineering.
• Strengthen requirements management, configuration control, engineering change management, and technical documentation.
• Lead product development from early-stage R&D and prototyping through EVT, DVT, and NPI, ensuring designs are verified, validated, and production-ready.
• Work with Operations and Quality on prototype, pilot, and NPI builds to resolve design and process issues, validate manufacturability, and prepare for production release.
• Partner with Taiwan Operations to facilitate design transfer, support production ramp-up, and improve manufacturability and product quality.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Applications, and Service to align engineering priorities with customer requirements, field performance, strategic sales opportunities, reliability, and scalability.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts to resolve technical issues and improve product performance.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $190,000–$220,000 annually.
• Participation in an annual short-term incentive (bonus) program.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plans.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Optional supplemental insurance and lifestyle benefits.
• 401(k) savings program with a 5% company match.
• Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, professional certifications, and executive development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager