Automation Mechanical Engineer

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex’s silicon components help make that technology a reality.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we are advancing the world. 

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Silfex, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits that start on your first day of employment. 

Discover more at Lam Benefits

Job Description:

Essential Function:

The Mechanical Engineer role reports directly to the Automation and Design Engineering Manager and supports Silfex manufacturing sites in Springfield, OH & Eaton, OH. This position will support engineering team in identifying areas for automation and developing solutions to improve cycle time & quality of parts. Additionally, the engineer will also drive reliability initiatives such as developing equipment reliability plans, propose upgrades and oversee installations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform mechanical design, modeling, and analysis of fixtures, EOAT, racks, work cells, and integrated automated systems using CAD and computational modeling tools.
• Conduct feasibility studies, tolerance analysis, and test/validation of new and modified designs; write and run computational algorithms to optimize multivariable inputs (throughput, cycle time, drag-out, ergonomics, cost).
• Support the Automation Engineering team in implementing new automated cells — resolving mechanical, integration, and interface issues with existing processes and equipment.
• Define system specifications, I/O requirements, and working parameters that ensure hardware/software compatibility between OEM equipment, robots, AMRs, and the plant control layer.
• Analyze and recommend components (actuators, sensors, vision, grippers, drives); identify design weaknesses and drive corrective design iterations through DFM/A, FMEA, and FEA.
• Develop project scopes, financial models, and ROI calculations for proposed automation and design improvements; participate in PSDM and design review gates.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Process, Value Stream, Maintenance, Supply Chain, IT/OT) to review and model manufacturing workflows and future-state automated production systems.
• Contribute to the design architecture (mechanical + data) used across multiple automation platforms, so that new equipment is 'automation-ready' and 'SCADA-ready' by default.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing concepts (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen) and support the team in reliability-centered design and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Carry out special projects and additional duties as assigned in a safe manner.

Culture:

• Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic that reflects the Mission and Core Values of Silfex.
• Create and maintain a culture where workplace safety is part of everything we do.  Provide the safest possible workplace to our employees by modeling and following all company safety policies, reporting any incidents or unsafe conditions immediately to Silfex management.  Wear all PPE as required by work area or job function.
• Communication – Begin with the end in mind – Communicate boldly as well as effectively with empathy and respect to inspire teamwork and collaboration vertically and horizontally within Silfex.
• Assist in applying lean manufacturing concepts and 5S.  Demonstrate ownership of continuous improvement ideas and activities.  Maintain organization and cleanliness, housekeeping and 5S within work area.  Maintain these areas at the highest degree possible while responsibly escalating any maintenance issues.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, or Industrial Engineering (or related discipline) with a minimum of 5 years' experience in a discrete manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical design and computational modeling, including writing/using algorithms to optimize multivariable inputs.
• Working proficiency in at least one of the following: Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, or ANSYS.
• Experience in mechanical/system design involving at least three of: heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, kinematics, fluid dynamics, vibrations, material properties, stress and strain.
• Hands-on CAD (2D & 3D) experience — SolidWorks, Inventor/AutoCAD, or equivalent — including Vault or similar PDM.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, FEA/CFD, and design-for-reliability practices.
• Exposure to semiconductor capital equipment, wet-clean equipment, control systems, FEA modeling, vacuum deposition, or OEM selection and integration is a plus.
• Effective Microsoft Office skills; experience with BI tools (Power BI, Grafana) and simulation tools (FlexSim) preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work vertically and horizontally across engineering, operations, and maintenance.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to handle or feel.  The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.   

The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 25 pounds.  The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently working near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.  The noise level in the environment is moderate.  Employee is required to meet all PPE requirements as outlined in Silfex procedures.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company ("Silfex" or the "Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. Silfex is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.