Principal Systems Engineer, Platform Robotics & Vacuum Architecture

JOB DESCRIPTIONWant to discover just how far your intellectual curiosity can take you? You’re in the right place. For more than four decades, Axcelis Technologies has been at the forefront of innovation in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Chipmakers around the globe rely on our tools and process expertise to deliver the semiconductors that power modern life from smartphones and computers to cameras and cars. We have become a technology leader by providing the innovation necessary for business to thrive, quality of life to advance, and the environment to flourish—enabling a truly sustainable future.Our influence is global, with more than 30 offices worldwide, an installed base of thousands worldwide and a customer list that includes the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers. Our team is expanding, and we are currently hiring a Principal Systems Engineer. We are looking for a hands-on systems thinker who embodies Axcelis's values of curiosity and creativity. The ideal candidate will thrive in challenging assumptions, rapid prototyping, and driving robust solutions that cross traditional engineering boundaries. This role will be based at Axcelis’s headquarters in Beverly, MA and offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the architecture of Axcelis's next generation of semiconductor capital equipment by turning ideas into production solutions.Principal Systems Engineer, Platform Robotics & Vacuum ArchitectureServe as the system-level technical owner for robotics, wafer handling, and vacuum-platform architecture across existing and next-generation Axcelis equipment.Translate product and customer needs into system requirements and architecture, lead cross-disciplinary trade studies, and drive integration and verification of mechanical, electrical, controls, software, safety, and vacuum subsystems.Role and Responsibilities:Own platform architecture for wafer handling, robotics, vacuum, chamber interfaces, and equipment automationConvert product needs and use cases into requirements, interface definitions, performance budgets, and verification plansLead architecture trades involving throughput, wafer safety, particle performance, reliability, serviceability, cost, and platform reuseLead system integration and root-cause investigations on real hardwareDefine and execute subsystem and system-level characterization, including motion accuracy, repeatability, vibration, vacuum recovery, fault handling, and wafer-transfer robustnessPartner with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, reliability, manufacturing, and field engineeringGuide supplier technical decisions involving robots, load ports, valves, pumps, gauges, motion components, sensors, and controlsSupport NPI from concept through verification, production readiness, initial field introduction, and transfer to volume manufacturingEstablish reusable platform requirements and design rules across Purion product linesMentor engineers in systems thinking, interface management, technical trade studies, and verification strategyRequired Qualifications:BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline7+ years developing complex electromechanical equipment, or an advanced degree plus 5+ yearsHands-on experience with at least one of:Semiconductor or vacuum-process equipmentIndustrial robotics or precision wafer/material handlingComplex motion-control or factory-automation systemsExperience translating product needs into system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and verificationDemonstrated integration and troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and sensor systemsExperience leading technical trade studies and design reviewsStrong experimental, data-analysis, and technical-communication skillsPreferred Qualifications:Vacuum pumps, valves, gauges, conductance, pressure transients, leak checking, and vacuum-control sequencesSCARA or articulated robot integrationServo systems, trajectory generation, vibration, kinematics, and motion characterizationEtherCAT, PLCs, embedded/real-time controls, or industrial networksLabView, Python, and/or MATLAB for data analysis and test automationSemiconductor equipment and wafer-handling experienceReliability analysis, FMEA, fault trees, DOE, and system verificationCreo or equivalent 3D CAD literacySEMI S2 and relevant equipment-safety experienceEQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENTIt is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE$130,879.92 - $196,319.88This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based onmultiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, worklocation, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression asyou develop within the role.Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in theAxcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regularemployees working 20+ hours a week).SummaryLocation: Beverly, MAType: Full time