Semiconductor Applications Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer for a 6-month contract assignment to support the design, development, simulation, and documentation of semiconductor test hardware. This position will drive standard design as well as facilitate prototype and early production hardware design, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality control to ensure hardware meets specifications and functions as required in a high-volume semiconductor test environment. Direct customer communication will be required to understand application requirements, explain Cohu's capabilities, define project scopes, and manage expectations considering risk and scheduling requirements. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM, mechanical design, engineering analysis, and semiconductor test hardware. Experience with ANSYS, DriveWorks, and Oracle is highly desirable. This position will collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Customers to develop robust solutions that meet performance, reliability, quality, and cost objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop semiconductor test contactors, alignment frames, sockets, and plug-and-play interface solutions.

• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation using SolidWorks.

• Develop designs that meet customer requirements, manufacturability objectives, and reliability targets.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities from concept through production release.

• Perform tolerance analyses and mechanical stack-up studies for precision assemblies.

• Develop innovative solutions for complex semiconductor test applications.

Simulation and Analysis

• Perform structural, thermal, and motion analyses using SolidWorks Simulation and/or ANSYS.

• Evaluate product performance under production test conditions.

• Analyze design risks and implement corrective actions prior to release.

• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations.

Engineering Documentation and Configuration Control

• Generate and maintain engineering drawings, BOMs, specifications, and assembly documentation.

• Manage product data, revisions, and workflows using SolidWorks PDM.

• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and document control processes.

Manufacturing and Production Support

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to resolve design and assembly issues.

• Support prototype builds, engineering evaluations, and qualification testing.

• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve quality, cost, and lead times.

• Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with customers and internal teams to define design requirements.

• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers as needed.

• Communicate project status, risks, and recommendations effectively.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Support design automation initiatives using DriveWorks where applicable.

• Interface with Oracle ERP systems for engineering and product lifecycle processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications: 

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks.

• Advanced experience with SolidWorks PDM.

• Strong mechanical design and product development background.

• Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision mechanical assemblies.

• Working knowledge of FEA and engineering simulation techniques.

• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, plastics, and other manufacturing processes.

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.

Industry Experience

• Experience designing semiconductor test contactors, sockets, alignment systems, test fixtures, or similar high-precision electromechanical products.

• Familiarity with semiconductor test environments and production test requirements.

• Proven track record of taking designs from concept through production release.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ANSYS Mechanical and/or Thermal simulation.

• Experience with DriveWorks design automation.

• Familiarity with Oracle ERP systems.

• Knowledge of semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE), handlers, or related test hardware.

• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.

Additional Qualification

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment with minimal supervision.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within aggressive project schedules.

Education and/or Experience: 

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline required.

• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of mechanical design engineering experience.

• 5+ years of experience in semiconductor test, contactor, socket, alignment system, or related precision electromechanical product development.

• Demonstrated success leading complex engineering projects from concept through production release.

• Ability to become productive quickly and independently in a contract assignment environment.

Employment Type & Work Location

• Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time Contract
• Duration: 6 Months
• Location: 100% Remote (U.S. Based Preferred)
• Travel Requirement: None. No domestic or international travel is required for this position.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the applicable jurisdiction without sponsorship.

• Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM is a must.
• Advanced mechanical design and product development skills, with a strong background in GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with FEA and engineering simulation techniques, particularly ANSYS.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, and other manufacturing processes.
• 10+ years of mechanical design engineering experience, with 5+ years in semiconductor test or related fields.
• Proven success in leading complex engineering projects from concept to production.
• Ability to work effectively remotely and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with global teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with DriveWorks and Oracle ERP systems is an asset.

• Design and develop semiconductor test hardware, including contactors, alignment frames, and sockets.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform tolerance analyses and mechanical stack-up studies for precision assemblies.
• Support new product introduction activities, from concept to production release.
• Conduct structural, thermal, and motion analyses using SolidWorks Simulation and ANSYS.
• Evaluate product performance under test conditions and implement corrective actions.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings and BOMs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to resolve design and assembly issues.
• Support prototype builds and qualification testing, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers as needed.