SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
Forge Nano Inc. is a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets. We are seeking an aspiring Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our Engineering Team, reporting to the Director of Engineering. This position will focus primarily on the mechanical design of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) equipment with an emphasis on laboratory/research semiconductor equipment.
Key responsibilities include creating system and component designs per customer or internal specification, with a strong focus on vacuum deposition systems. The role spans across laboratory, pilot, and commercial scales and requires Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM) expertise to facilitate procurement, assembly, and testing of components designed in SolidWorks.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Mechanical Engineering Manager will be responsible for (non-exhaustive):
Leadership and Management
Oversee mechanical engineering teams and align efforts with company and departmental objectives
Define engineering priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely execution of multiple concurrent projects
Recruit, onboard, mentor, and develop engineering talent through structured training, feedback, and career planning
Conduct performance reviews and establish individual growth plans for direct reports
Represent the engineering team in executive meetings and cross-functional planning sessions
Develop and manage engineering budgets, optimizing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Strategic Planning and Process Improvement
Standardize engineering workflows, implement best practices, and ensure documentation integrity across CAD/PDM/PLM systems
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, throughput, and innovation in engineering processes
Collaborate with leadership to develop product roadmaps, engineering strategies, and long-term R&D initiatives
Take on and complete selective mechanical design projects as needed
Design Oversight and Technical Leadership
Guide mechanical design and documentation efforts, including complex vacuum assemblies, wafer handling systems, and facility interfaces
Ensure compliance with safety and industry standards (including SEMI and internal quality systems)
Serve as a technical escalation point for design reviews, failure analyses, and customer feedback loops
Review and contribute to IP generation efforts and support the company's intellectual property portfolio
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Coordinate with electrical, controls, manufacturing, and product management teams to ensure high-quality, manufacturable solutions
Support the sales and customer success teams with technical insight, costing, and design validation
Manage vendor engagement for RFQs/RFIs and oversee BOM/procurement workflows in MRP/ERP systems
Lead factory and customer acceptance testing processes, ensuring validation metrics are met and field issues are resolved efficiently
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) from an ABET-accredited university
Experience:
7+ years of hands-on engineering experience in laboratory, research, or industry settings
3+ years in a leadership or managerial role
Proven track record in mechanical system design, testing, and product lifecycle management
End-to-end product development experience
Experience managing engineering budgets and resource planning
Software Proficiency:
SolidWorks (or similar CAD software) for component and multi-component assembly design
SolidWorks PDM for revision control and workflow management
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) for documentation, reporting, and communication
Experience using MRP/ERP systems to manage BOMs, procurement, and change implementation
Technical Skills
Deep knowledge of CAD design principles, DFM/DFA, vacuum system engineering, and mechanical assembly techniques
Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent) for component and assembly modeling, drawing creation, and PDM administration
Familiarity with revision control systems (e.g., SolidWorks PDM) and MRP/ERP tools for BOM and procurement management
Hands-on experience with lab tools and manufacturing environments
Interpersonal Skills
Strong cross-functional communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead diverse technical teams
Business-minded with a focus on project management, budgeting, and operational efficiency
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced SolidWorks certifications, such as CSWA, CSWP, etc.
Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or SolidWorks Electrical for electrical schematic manipulation
Simulation experience with FEA, CFD, and/or DEM tools
Proficiency with reporting, such as DFMEA, HAZOP, Tolerance Analyses, etc.
Expertise related to plasma or thermal ALD/CVD systems and semiconductor system operations
Experience handling chemicals or hazardous materials in a laboratory or industrial settings
Understanding of SEMI standards and applicable design requirements
Familiarity with key industry standards such as UL, CE, and S2
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work in the laboratory and manufacturing areas will necessitate appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, steel-toe shoes, and laboratory coats or clean-room smocks. Compliance with Forge Nano's COVID-19 safety protocols is mandatory.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel (
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
Salary: $70,000 -- $140,000 per year, depending on qualifications
Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, PTO, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) options
Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
