Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Performance Detector (APD)

Manufacturing Engineer – Advanced Performance Detector (APD) Department: Manufacturing Engineering Reports To: Director of Manufacturing Engineering FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Sturbridge, MA Prepared/Approved: January 2026 Position Summary Exosens Scientific is seeking a hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer to support electrical testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing of Microchannel Plates (MCPs) and Channeltron detectors. This engineer will work directly on the factory floor in an ISO7 cleanroom environment and is responsible for ensuring that detector assemblies meet electrical, vacuum, and performance specifications. This role supports test station operation, performs full detector teardowns, helps maintain test capability during high priority manufacturing situations, and plays a key role in the transition from manual to more automated equipment. The ideal candidate is an engineer who enjoys practical, hardware‑centric work in a high‑voltage, high‑vacuum environment and is eager to learn specialized detector technologies. Because MCP/Channeltron expertise is rare, candidates from semiconductor, vacuum systems, photonics, electron optical components, or other high‑voltage industries are strongly encouraged. This engineer ensures product quality by designing, developing, executing, and analyzing tests for software, focusing on high‑speed communication hardware, or physical goods, identifying defects, collaborating with development teams for fixes, and ensuring standards are met through detailed plans, test cases, and reports, often involving automation. Focus on functionality, reliability, safety, and performance across the product lifecycle. This engineer is responsible for providing engineering and technical support to improve manufacturing yields, reducing scrap, and day‑to‑day production support for our Advanced Performance Detector (APD) production line. The APD is an assembly of several components like anode, phosphorus screen, time of flight detector (TOF), and a glass wafer composed of millions of micron‑sized channels with a bias angle. Within each channel electrons collide with the channel walls to generate more electrons which amplify the weak input signals. APD’s have electrical properties suitable for MassSpectrometry. The engineer provides support to manufacturing operations to ensure on‑time deliveries for all product lines. Electrical Test & Data Quality Perform electrical testing of MCPs and Channeltrons, including: Operate and maintain high vacuum test systems (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁶ Torr) Verify data integrity and elevate test anomalies promptly. Troubleshooting & Failure Analysis Diagnose issues with MCPs, Channeltrons, and full detector assemblies. Perform full mechanical and electrical teardowns of detectors. Investigate failure modes such as low gain, electrical shorts, vacuum leaks, contamination, alignment issues, or component damage. Manufacturing Support Work daily with manufacturing operators in the cleanroom. Quickly respond to production issues when needed. Create or update work instructions, procedures, and test documentation. Assist in training operators and new engineers on testing and teardown methods. Completes assigned projects with overall goal of improving manufacturing yields and reducing scrap through process and product improvements. Tracks, analyzes, and reports yields, scraps, and defectives. Provides support in any or all product lines based upon need, including day‑to‑day support for the assigned product line production areas. Off‑shift work may be required at times. Collaborate with team to develop BOMs, routings, fixturing/tooling, and cost estimates of new products as well as updates to existing products and processes. Supports implementation of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and SPC into manufacturing areas. Promotes and encourages understanding and use of the ISO9001‑based Quality Management System. Process Control & Continuous Improvement Use MINITAB intermittently for simple SPC, trend analysis, and yield monitoring. Support the transition from manual test stations to more automated equipment. Identify opportunities for improved test repeatability, data capture, and throughput. Equipment & Test Fixtures Maintain and configure high voltage power supplies, vacuum controllers, electrometers, oscilloscopes, and custom fixtures. Assist in modifying fixtures or temporary setups as needed to maintain production continuity. Required Qualifications All engineers at company must be U.S. citizens per ITAR regulations. Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Physics, or related field) based on experience. Hands on experience with high voltage, high vacuum, precision instrumentation, or cleanroom operations (industry or academic). Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work directly with hardware daily. Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues methodically. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publications that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or board of directors. Strong computer skills required, including MS word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, MRP and database software applications. May use analytical software and run statistical programs; may use CAD software applications. Comfortable working in an ISO7 cleanroom with appropriate PPE. Ability to learn specialized test methods, equipment, and detector physics on the job. Preferred Qualifications (Not Required) Background in semiconductor fabrication, photonics, vacuum systems, electron optics, or detector technologies. Exposure to process control tools such as MINITAB or basic SPC concepts. Familiarity with high‑voltage power supplies, vacuum chambers, turbopumps, or electrometers. Experience assembling or disassembling delicate electro‑mechanical components. Basic understanding of gain behavior or noise mechanisms in electron‑multiplying devices (PMTs, MCPs, avalanche detectors, etc.). 100% on‑site in Sturbridge, MA. ISO7 cleanroom; requires gown, gloves, and adherence to contamination control procedures. Work involves high‑voltage and high vacuum equipment; safety training is provided. Day shift with occasional need to support time‑critical manufacturing issues. Safety and Security — observes and enforces safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly. Physical Requirements Lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Stand at test stations for extended periods. Use microscopes, precision tools, HV cabling, and small assemblies. Perform detailed inspection and disassembly work. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, ability to distinguish color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; and talk or hear. #J-18808-Ljbffr