Mechanical Engineer (San Francisco)

Mechanical Engineer

Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting‑edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world‑class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.

Summary

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will design and develop ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) systems, precision mechanisms and high‑speed motion systems. This role requires deep hands‑on engineering experience in high‑precision manufacturing environments combined with the ability to work autonomously on complex technical challenges. You must be comfortable supporting scientists, engineers, and technical specialists working on parallel projects across multiple locations including external production sites. This is a full‑time, in‑office position.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze UHV-compatible mechanical systems, components, and assemblies for state‑of-the-art production facilities across distributed operational environments

• Develop nanometer‑precision mechatronic systems for high‑speed, high‑acceleration applications

• Conduct structural analysis, vibration and thermal modeling, and FEA stress/strain calculations for high‑acceleration mechatronic systems deployed in multiple locations

• Design vacuum‑compatible mechanical assemblies and wafer handling robotics supporting autonomous production workstreams

• Build and execute comprehensive testing protocols including UHV validation, precision measurement, and performance characterization for field deployments

• Collaborate with electrical engineers and software teams on integrated mechatronic system design across parallel technical contributions

• Implement vibration damping techniques and precision isolation systems for distributed production environments

• Lead technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis for mechanical failures in systems across multiple installation sites

• Develop manufacturing processes and work directly with specialized vendors for precision components and vacuum‑compatible materials

• Support external site installations and provide technical guidance for UHV production facility deployments

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for precision mechanical systems across fluid organizational structures

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years hands‑on mechanical engineering experience, 3+ years in precision manufacturing or research environments at technology companies

• Expert‑level CAD experience with complex precision assembly design and UHV-compatible components

• Direct experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for stress/strain calculations in high‑acceleration mechatronic applications

• Strong background in vacuum technology, UHV system design, and vacuum‑compatible materials

• Cross‑functional collaboration experience supporting autonomous technical contributors

• Built precision mechanical systems from concept through production in scaling technology environments

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge or experience with semiconductor wafer handling robotics or equipment

• Experience supporting scientists and researchers in autonomous technical environments with fluid organizational structures

• Experience with nanometer‑precision actuators, motors, and positioning systems

• Hands‑on experience with vibration damping techniques for high‑precision mechanical systems

• Background in national labs, semiconductor equipment, or custom vacuum system design companies

Salary Range

$150,000-$400,000 USD

Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.