Principal Mechanical Engineer

A Day in Your Life at MKS: We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the Vibration Control Group, developing and sustaining precision vibration isolation and structural support products (optical tables, breadboards, platforms, isolators, and integrated customer solutions). You will own challenging mechanical designs from concept through release, guide verification and validation, and partner cross‑functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and sales to deliver high‑performance, manufacturable, and cost‑effective solutions. You Will Make an Impact By: Leading mechanical design of vibration control products and custom customer solutions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability. Owning requirements definition and technical trade studies (stiffness, damping, modal behavior, load capacity, thermal effects, cleanliness/non‑magnetic constraints, vacuum compatibility as applicable). Performing analysis and simulation (hand calcs, FEA, vibration/modal analysis) and correlating models to test data. Defining and executing verification/validation strategies including prototype builds, characterization tests, environmental/vibration testing, and design reviews. Serving as a technical authority and mentor, reviewing designs and coaching junior engineers/designers. Driving technical risk management: proactively identifying failure modes, executing root‑cause investigations, and implementing corrective/preventive actions. Maintaining complete engineering documentation (CAD, drawings, GD&T, BOMs, test plans/reports, compliance documentation) in accordance with MKS processes and PLM/ERP systems. Collaborating cross‑functionally with product management and sales to support roadmap execution, technical customer engagements, and lifecycle management of existing platforms. Skills You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering discipline) required; Master’s degree preferred. 8+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in precision mechanical systems and vibration mitigation. Demonstrated expertise in structural dynamics and vibration fundamentals (modal behavior, transmissibility, stiffness/damping tradeoffs) and applying them to real products. Proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) including GD&T, tolerance analysis, and creation/review of production‑ready drawings and BOMs. Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS or equivalent) and test correlation; ability to select appropriate simplifications and validate assumptions. Hands‑on prototyping and test experience: instrumentation, test planning, data analysis, and clear technical reporting. Proven ability to lead technical workstreams, drive design reviews, and influence cross‑functional decisions without direct authority. Strong problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis skills with a track record of closing issues in design and production environments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical details for customers and internal stakeholders. Customer‑facing experience (requirements clarification, technical reviews, issue resolution) strongly preferred; willingness to engage with customers is a must. Comfort operating in a regulated/quality environment with disciplined configuration control and documentation practices. Preferred: Experience designing vibration isolation/support systems (optical tables, breadboards, pneumatic/electronic isolation, elastomeric systems) and/or precision welded structures. Experience with PLM/ERP systems (Agile, SAP, etc.), and familiarity with cleanliness/non‑magnetic materials, vacuum compatibility, and RoHS/REACH considerations. In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are considered material job duties of the position:   Ability to take and follow directions and instructions.  Ability to interact with other employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public, in a safe, professional, and respectful manner.   Access to sensitive and confidential business systems and software, personally identifying information, the company’s financial information, and/or the ability to maintain physical security and safety.  Because this position involves the above material job duties, trustworthiness, reliability, and good judgment also are material job duties.   Physical Demands and Working Conditions:  Ability to travel domestically and internationally as necessary to support business goals. Travel is estimated at <10%. Compensation and Benefits: Salary Pay Range: $ 140,000.00 - 210,000.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.  ​We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time. MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.   Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: View email address on click.appcast.io .If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the roleSummaryLocation: Irvine, CAType: Full time