Senior Mechanical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

What you will do

Thermal constraints limit AI infrastructure, semiconductor equipment, power electronics, and defense systems. JCI removes those constraints. Enabled by the Stack Forging™ process, JCI produces high-performance thermal components and cooling loop solutions - purpose-built for direct integration into AI, HPC, and mission-critical systems. JCI has built the industry's leading thermal management platform for the applications that demand it most.

• As a Builder on the Stack Forging Thermal Solutions team at Johnson Controls, you'll join a team of sleeve-rollers who set a high bar for themselves and their co-workers.
• We foster a collaborative culture with no silos, where everyone is encouraged to think out loud.
• If you are passionate about your craft and don't give up until you've found a way, you will make an ideal Builder!

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Vacuum Systems, you will work on engineering efforts to bring products from the lab into mass production. Your primary objective will be commissioning, and improving the next generation of machines used in the Stack Forging process.

Who You Are

• You're a skilled Mechanical Engineer with expertise in machine design and a deep understanding of reliability and safety.
• You have experience developing complex machines from concept to execution, solving tough engineering challenges along the way.
• You take full ownership of your projects, driving them forward independently while maintaining a strong sense of urgency.
• You know when to pivot, prioritize, and adapt to shifting demands to keep progress on track.

This role requires a high degree of technical ownership, cross-functional collaboration, critical thinking for root cause analysis, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This position generally requires a commitment of 4 days onsite per week. This position is located in Burlington, MA. Candidates must be commuting distance to the office, or able to relocate. Various relocation packages are available. Only US Citizens and/or Permanent Residents of the United States will be considered, since sponsorship is not available for this position.

How you will do it

• Component design within the machines in Stack Forging manufacturing system, including automated equipment for material preparation, cutting, inspection, bonding, and assembly
• Run design processes with requirements, specifications, concept generation, concept down-selection, and design reviews
• Document and communicate design process and decisions
• Drive improvement of overall equipment efficiency, manufacturing tolerance, process stability, process monitoring, machine reliability, and automation
• Refine and revisit machine requirements with cross-functional teams from product, process, applications, and operations.
• Proof-of-concept calculations and benchtop testing to inform design decisions
• System and sub-system level design and analysis; utilizing parametric modeling to evaluate trade-offs
• Own & update subsystem designs, BOM, specifications, CAD models, and drawings
• Select and manage external vendors for components and subsystems
• Statistical analysis for assembly tolerance stack up and perform root-cause analyses

What you will need

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years industry experience
• Demonstrated experience designing vacuum chambers and components for high-vacuum or ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) environments, including material selection, weld design, and outgassing considerations
• Proficiency in thermal analysis of vacuum systems, including radiative heat transfer, thermal gradients, and bakeout planning
• Ability to perform conductance calculations and pumpdown modeling to optimize system performance
• Experience applying FEA to evaluate structural loads, thermal stresses, and deformation under vacuum

Preferred

• Familiar with metal additive manufacturing, robotics, or industrial automation
• Experience with rapid prototyping: 3D printing, mill, lathe, laser cutting, CNC, hand tools

Export Control Requirement

This position may require access to information, technology, technical data, software, or other items subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. Any offer of employment for this position may be contingent upon the candidate's ability to obtain and maintain any required export authorization or eligibility to access controlled items.

Salary Range

$120,000 - $190,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role.

However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates.

All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers.

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