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About the job

Cohu is a world leader in semiconductor handling equipment used to test ICs. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in automation equipment design, mechanisms, and electromechanical systems.

This role focuses on developing innovative mechanical solutions for new product introductions and enhancing our existing automation platforms. We’re looking for someone who is creative, hands-on, and excited about engineering complex automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation & Product Development

Conceptualize, design, and develop automation and mechanical technologies, including prototypes, testing, and transfer to high‑volume production.

Lead engineering efforts for new and existing mechanical and electromechanical systems.

Improve and optimize current designs, assemblies, and processes.

Engineering Analysis & Documentation

Perform mechanical analysis to validate design feasibility and risk.

Create detailed drawings, assemblies, BOMs, alignment procedures, and engineering documentation.

Conduct functional, reliability, and performance testing.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Work with mechanical, electrical, software, and vision engineering teams, both locally and remotely.

Interface with operations, sales, customers, and other Cohu business units.

Select, evaluate and qualify new vendor components for performance and reliability.

Project Leadership

Participate in all phases of development: requirements, design, integration, test, deployment, and support.

Develop and maintain project requirements, specs, schedules, and budgets.

Manage timelines, design reviews, and functional specifications for new sub-assemblies.

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and designers.

May lead development of modules or sub-assemblies using system engineering methods to support clear requirements and multi-discipline interfaces

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

10+ years of experience in mechanical design.

Strong background in mechanism design, including gears, racks, bearings, actuators, linkages, motors, cylinders, vacuum components, etc.

Experience developing automation or robotic systems.

Proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation.

Working knowledge of materials, coatings, plastics, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and design for manufacturability.

Preferred Skills (Nice-to-Have)

Exposure to thermal systems, heat transfer, CFD, or thermal-mechanical FEA.

Experience with MTBF, FMEA, or reliability engineering.

Ability to interpret and analyze lab data or field system data.

Soft Skills & Tools

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Ability to direct drafters/designers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

“Big picture” engineering approach, with strong creativity and problem‑solving skills.

Proficiency in MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Project.

Work Conditions

Up to 15% domestic and international travel.

Lab environment with intermittent noise.

Extended periods at a computer workstation.

Able to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.

Compensation: The estimated base pay range for this position is $115,000-170,000 per year, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related factors. This range represents Cohu’s good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for this role upon hire. This role may also be eligible for other compensation programs as determined by company policy.

Featured benefits

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company matching contributions

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition assistance

Disability & life insurance

Profit Sharing