Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Onto Innovation•Milpitas, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Onto Innovation is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering to join their team. This role involves leading and developing advanced hardware and tooling solutions for next-generation metrology instruments. The position covers the full product lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design to prototyping, testing, and final release. The individual will work independently or lead small teams depending on project scope. Key responsibilities include defining control architecture, designing precision mechanisms, architecting mechatronic systems, solving real-world precision issues, and finalizing designs through product release. Collaboration with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams, as well as Operations and Manufacturing, is essential. The role also requires creating clear reports and documentation and demonstrating technical depth in complex mechanical systems.

Requirements

7+ years’ experience working as a Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineer.
Controls knowledge (linear system control etc).
Proficient in motion control, including servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping.
Deep understanding of vibration analysis, modal analysis, and VC (Vibration Criteria) 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.
Proficient with accelerometers and spectrum analyzer to quantify and diagnose a vibration.
Skilled with contact and non-contact measurement types, indicators, cap gages, interferometer, to measure mechanical errors and drifts.
Experience designing mechanical systems for very clean environments, semiconductor, biotech, food systems are all applicable.
Skill using mathematical modeling software.
Strong background in precision mechanics, mechatronics, and electromechanical system design.
Must be able to travel internationally to customer sites at least 20% of the time, with additional travel as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or higher in science or engineering preferred.
5+ years' experience in a leadership role preferred.
Experience with Motion control simulation.
Experience with microcontrollers, Arduino, Pi.

Responsibilities

Define control architecture: components (motors, drives, controllers), and interfaces for motion systems.
Design optical mounts, sub-micron precision adjustment mechanisms, and positioning systems.
Architect mechatronic systems, select motors, sensors, drive components, etc. based on satisfying system requirements.
Solve real-world precision issues (vibration, resonance, etc.).
Proficient in motion control, including servo tuning, stage control, and automation mapping.
Recognize and design simple and elegant structures.
Justify and quantify performance-based metrics that led to their design decisions.
Finalize the design through product release for current and future metrology instruments.
Create clear reports and documentation.
Demonstrate technical depth in concept design of complex mechanical systems.
Work with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software teams, as well as Operations and Manufacturing.