PRINCIPAL ENGINEER, VACUUM

Description

Gray’s Specialty Equipment segment offers a comprehensive range of expert services, including design, manufacturing, integration, installation, and maintenance of some of the most advanced systems in the food, industrial, pharmaceutical, and vacuum science markets. From components to fully integrated equipment, we provide purpose-built solutions that integrate seamlessly into larger facility design-build, expansion, and retrofit projects.

The Specialty Equipment segment includes Anderson Dahlen, located in Ramsey, MN and Waconia, MN, and AD Process Equipment, located in Naperville, IL. Anderson Dahlen specializes in stainless steel and specialty alloy fabrication and is ISO 9001:2015 certified, as well as ASME, AWS, and PED compliant. AD Process Equipment features a dedicated control panel fabrication shop, in-house engineering capabilities, and manufacturing space to support customized process system solutions.

The wage range for this role takes into account a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; certifications; as well as other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  A reasonable estimate of the current range is $130 to $195/annually.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION:

The primary responsibility of a Principal Engineer is to mentor, coach, and develop engineering talent across the organization. A Principal Engineer, Vacuum is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of vacuum systems that are critical to our customers’ manufacturing processes. This includes conceptualizing and designing new products, testing product designs, and developing acceptance testing. The successful Principal Engineer will be innovative, creative, and analytical. As part of Engineering Leadership, this role will play a vital role in setting Engineering strategy either through direct reports or by influence across the engineering organization. This role will be pivotal in advancing our capabilities, ensuring our processes adhere to critical vacuum requirements, and driving innovation across our production environment. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of vacuum technologies, system integration, and cross-functional collaboration in a manufacturing setting.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) on vacuum systems and processes, including high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technologies.
• Leads the design, specification, and development of vacuum chambers, pumping systems, seals, gauges, and related components.
• Conceptualizes product ideas directly with customers by using sound design principles with a focus on design for manufacturability.
• Develop factory acceptance test (FAT) criteria as well as direct testing of products throughout the design and manufacturing process to troubleshoot any potential problems early on.
• Plays an active role in project-related kick-off meetings to assist in the development of project timelines, project scope, and customer requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to vacuum integrity, contamination, and system performance.
• Directs and guides companywide standards and best practices.
• Delivers product specifications and procedures to the manufacturing team for production purposes.
• Works closely with production and quality teams to support new process development and existing process improvement.
• Creates and maintains engineering documentation, process specifications, and validation protocols.
• Provides technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
• Maintains a positive attitude and promotes a “team” approach throughout the organization.
• Ensure that a favorable Company image is presented to customers and that all customer relationships are based on honesty and integrity.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTRY:

• MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in vacuum systems engineering, preferably within a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Good working knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and quality control protocols.
• Advanced understanding of high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system design.
• Familiarity of vacuum measurement and control instrumentation.
• Experience in leak detection, residual gas analysis (RGA), and vacuum integrity testing.
• Knowledge of materials compatibility in vacuum environments.
• Understanding of thermodynamics and gas flow.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling software and report writing programs.
• Excellent communication and technical writing abilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with cleanroom standards and contamination control practices.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The company fosters a manufacturing-type environment. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Lift/Carry- 0-10 lbs.- Occasionally, 11-50 lbs.- Never, 51-100 lbs.-Never

Push/Pull- 0-25 lbs.- Occasionally, 26-75 lbs.- Never, 76-100 lbs.- Never

Bend- 0-33% during an 8-hour shift

Twist/Turn- 0-33% during an 8-hour shift

Kneel/Squat- Not at all

Sit- 67-100% during an 8-hour shift.

Stand/Walk- 0-33% during an 8-hour shift

Overhead Reaching- 0-33% during an 8-hour shift 

Ladder/Stair- 0-33% during an 8-hour shift

EEO DISCLAIMER:

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Salary : $130 - $195