Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Onto Innovation•Milpitas, CA

14h•$160,000 - $240,000

About The Position

Onto Innovation is seeking a Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead and develop advanced hardware and tooling solutions for next-generation metrology instruments. The role spans the full product lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through prototyping, testing, and final product release. The position may work independently or lead small teams depending on project scope. The role focuses on precision mechanical, mechatronic, and motion-control systems. It includes defining motion-system control architecture and interfaces; designing optical mounts, precision adjustment mechanisms, and positioning systems; selecting components to meet system requirements; and addressing vibration, resonance, and other precision challenges. The Senior Manager will quantify and justify design decisions, document work clearly, and collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams as well as Operations and Manufacturing. International travel to customer sites is required at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience working as a Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineer.
Knowledge of controls, including linear system control.
Proficiency in motion control, including servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping.
Deep understanding of vibration analysis, modal analysis, and Vibration Criteria (VC) standards.
Experience with isolation systems and designing for micron- and nanometer-level accuracy.
Familiarity with system architecture, design requirements, and technical specifications for high-performance systems.
Experience implementing motion-control systems.
Experience with microcontrollers, Arduino, and Pi.
Proficiency with accelerometers and spectrum analyzers to quantify and diagnose vibration.
Skill using contact and non-contact measurement tools, including indicators, cap gages, and interferometers, to measure mechanical errors and drift.
Experience designing mechanical systems for very clean environments; semiconductor, biotech, and food systems are applicable.
Skill using mathematical modeling software.
Strong background in precision mechanics, mechatronics, and electromechanical system design.
Ability to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or higher in science or engineering preferred.
At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development of advanced hardware and tooling solutions for next-generation metrology instruments across the product lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through prototyping, testing, and release.
Define control architecture, components, and interfaces for motion systems, including motors, drives, and controllers.
Design optical mounts, sub-micron precision adjustment mechanisms, and positioning systems.
Architect mechatronic systems and select motors, sensors, and drive components to satisfy system requirements.
Apply control theory, motion-control simulation, servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping.
Address real-world precision challenges, including vibration and resonance, and quantify and diagnose vibration.
Design simple and effective structures and justify design decisions using quantified performance metrics.
Prepare clear reports and technical documentation.
Work with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams, as well as Operations and Manufacturing.
Travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.