Systems Engineer

Cohu • San Diego, CA

23d

About The Position

1. MAIN OBJECTIVES

Translate complex customer and market requirements into robust system
concepts that balance performance, reliability, usability, and cost of
ownership.
Drive system-level innovation by integrating mechanical, electrical, thermal,
and software domains into cohesive machine platforms.
Moderate cross-functional concept development workshops and guide teams
through structured decision-making under uncertainty.
Evaluate feasibility and risk of new concepts using first-principles physics
and empirical modeling.
Ensure system-level traceability from requirements to implementation and
maintain architectural integrity throughout the development lifecycle.
Drive development schedules of module and platform development projects
aligned to overall program and project dates to meet committed demonstration
and ship dates.

2.  RESPONSIBILITIES 

Conduct system-level requirement analysis and author technical specifications
and design briefs for sub-assembly modules.
Lead the evaluation and selection of technical concepts in collaboration with
domain experts, based on functional, economic, and risk criteria.
Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility across
subsystems and modules.
Guide the development of subsystem concepts and validate their feasibility
through analytical modeling and simulation.
Facilitate design reviews and ensure that development progress aligns with
system-level objectives.
Drive risk assessments and initiate necessary pre-development or technology
validation activities.
Ensure compliance with certification requirements (e.g., CE, SEMI, RoHS) and
support the preparation of documentation.
Support patent applications and the protection of intellectual property
arising from system innovations.
Present technical solutions and resolve system-level issues in collaboration
with customers and stakeholders.

3.  ESSENTIAL QUALITY EXPECTATIONS

Strategic and systems-level thinking with the ability to balance technical
depth and cross-domain integration.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions under
ambiguity using physical principles and engineering judgment.
Excellent communication and moderation skills to lead interdisciplinary teams
through complex trade-offs.
Proactive mindset for identifying innovation opportunities and system
improvements.
Commitment to technical excellence, documentation, and knowledge transfer.
Customer-oriented thinking and ability to represent the company in technical
discussions.

4. AUTHORITY 

Lead module level development for TH team under the Director of Engineering

5.  REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, or a related field. ((PhD, MSc, MEng, etc. desired)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the system level leadership of the
development of complex mechatronic systems, ideally in semiconductor backend
equipment.
Minimum of 5 years as a direct engineer in a discipline.
Proven track record in system engineering, machine concept development, and
cross-functional engineering leadership.
Understanding and/or working experience with thermal systems, motion control,
sensor integration, and machine intelligence.
Experience with requirement engineering, risk management, and certification
processes.
Strong knowledge of modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), CAE, and system
simulation.
Excellent English communication skills: German and/or French is a plus.
Willingness to travel internationally up to 20%

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. ((PhD, MSc, MEng, etc. desired)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the system level leadership of the development of complex mechatronic systems, ideally in semiconductor backend equipment.
• Minimum of 5 years as a direct engineer in a discipline.
• Proven track record in system engineering, machine concept development, and cross-functional engineering leadership.
• Understanding and/or working experience with thermal systems, motion control, sensor integration, and machine intelligence.
• Experience with requirement engineering, risk management, and certification processes.
• Strong knowledge of modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink), CAE, and system simulation.
• Excellent English communication skills: German and/or French is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 20%

Nice To Haves

• PhD, MSc, MEng, etc.

Responsibilities

• Conduct system-level requirement analysis and author technical specifications and design briefs for sub-assembly modules.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of technical concepts in collaboration with domain experts, based on functional, economic, and risk criteria.
• Ensure architectural consistency and interface compatibility across subsystems and modules.
• Guide the development of subsystem concepts and validate their feasibility through analytical modeling and simulation.
• Facilitate design reviews and ensure that development progress aligns with system-level objectives.
• Drive risk assessments and initiate necessary pre-development or technology validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with certification requirements (e.g., CE, SEMI, RoHS) and support the preparation of documentation.
• Support patent applications and the protection of intellectual property arising from system innovations.
• Present technical solutions and resolve system-level issues in collaboration with customers and stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees