Manager, R&D Engineering

MYCRONIC • Redondo Beach, CA

14h • $190,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Mycronic is seeking an experienced Manager, R&D Engineering to lead the engineering team at 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 plasma machines are used for surface cleaning, activation, and metal oxide removal.

This hands-on leadership role leads 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 oversees the full product development lifecycle—from concept and design through prototyping, testing, validation, and production release—and provides technical guidance, develops engineering talent, and strengthens product development processes. The role works with cross-functional teams to meet performance, quality, reliability, and customer requirements while supporting business growth and long-term goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least 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 drive collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams.
• Experience developing complex electromechanical systems, automated equipment, process equipment, or capital equipment; preferably in semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing.
• 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.
• Experience collaborating cross-functionally with commercial and manufacturing teams, including international operations partners in Taiwan or across Asia.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with plasma technology, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, robotics, wafer handling, precision motion systems, or related technologies.

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 structured 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 form a reliable, safe, integrated platform that meets 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 to improve traceability, consistency, and knowledge sharing.
• Lead product development from early-stage R&D and prototyping through engineering validation testing (EVT), design validation testing (DVT), and new product introduction (NPI), ensuring designs are verified, validated, and production-ready.
• 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, strategic sales opportunities, product 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.
• Medical plans, plus dental and vision coverage.
• Employer-covered 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 targeted executive development.

What This Job Offers

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