Principal Mechanical Engineer – R&D

MKS Instruments

Principal Mechanical Engineer developing innovative solutions for complex electro-mechanical components at MKS. Leading a team in the design and testing of next generation technologies that enable new market applications.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeWilmington • Massachusetts • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $126,200 - $210,350 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the development of next generation technologies that enable new market applications
Provide technical leadership to a team of mechanical engineers implementing innovative solutions to complex thermal, structural and packaging design challenges
Work as part of a technical / scientific team responsible for the mechanical design, modeling, testing, and packaging of next-generation complex electro-mechanical components and integrated sub-systems
Develop innovative designs for prototypes of new technologies, with an eye to future cost effectiveness and manufacturability
Analyze thermal and structural performance using FEA simulation
Communicate effectively with both a cross-functional development team and project management in oral and written forms
Communicate effectively with manufacturing vendors to discuss strategies for the fabrication of complex mechanical designs
Ensure products meet applicable design requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering required
8+ years of experience
Solid understanding of heat transfer mechanisms with knowledge of the corresponding materials and cooling methodologies
Skilled with the design and test of complex mechanical systems from requirements to realization
Strong technical communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills
Expert level SolidWorks user
Knowledge of advanced machining techniques
Ability to understand and manage tradeoffs between cost, performance, and schedule

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Tuition reimbursement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mechanical designmodelingtestingpackagingthermal performance analysisstructural performance analysisFEA simulationheat transfer mechanismsadvanced machining techniquesdesign and test of complex mechanical systems

Soft Skills

technical leadershipeffective communicationcross-functional collaborationproject managementpresentation skillsverbal communicationwritten communicationstrategic discussion

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering