Manager, R&D Engineering

Mycronic • Redondo Beach, CA

1d

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 technology and automated equipment for high-volume manufacturing of integrated circuits, semiconductor packages, printed circuit boards, and other microelectronic devices. Its products support surface cleaning, activation, and metal oxide removal for assembled products, serving leading semiconductor manufacturers and technology companies.

The Manager will lead development and continuous improvement of plasma technology and automated equipment platforms, translating advanced concepts into reliable, manufacturable, and scalable products for semiconductor manufacturing. This hands-on leadership role oversees the complete product development lifecycle, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, validation, and production release. The role provides technical guidance, develops engineering talent, strengthens product development processes, and collaborates with cross-functional teams 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, with the ability to build cross-functional relationships and foster collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams.
• Experience developing complex electromechanical systems, automated equipment, process equipment, or capital equipment; semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing experience is preferred.
• 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 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, set priorities and expectations, provide hands-on technical guidance, mentor engineers, and strengthen 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 core 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 operate together as a reliable, safe, integrated platform meeting performance, throughput, and uptime requirements.
• Translate product requirements into system and subsystem specifications, interface controls, and verification plans, retaining technical ownership throughout development.
• Drive 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 ready for production.
• Work with Operations and Quality during prototype, pilot, and NPI builds to resolve design and process issues, validate manufacturability, and prepare products 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, and strategic sales opportunities while supporting long-term reliability and scalability.
• Lead structured root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts to resolve complex 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, with dental and vision options.
• Employer-paid life insurance and 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