Manufacturing Engineer - Direct Hire

Manufacturing Engineer – Advanced Detector SystemsLocation: Sturbridge, MA (100% Onsite)Salary: Up to $140K depending on experienceEnvironment: ISO 7 Cleanroom, High‑Voltage/High‑Vacuum EquipmentCandidates with backgrounds in semiconductor fabrication, vacuum systems, photonics, electron‑optical components, or high‑voltage instrumentation are strongly encouraged to apply.Position SummaryWe are seeking a hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer to support electrical testing, troubleshooting, and production of advanced detector technologies, including microchannel‑based devices and electron‑multiplying components. This role is highly technical and hardware‑focused, requiring daily work on the production floor within an ISO 7 cleanroom.You will ensure detector assemblies meet stringent electrical, vacuum, and performance specifications while supporting test station operations, conducting full detector teardowns, and maintaining test capability during high‑priority manufacturing periods. This position also plays a key role in transitioning from manual testing to more automated systems.What You’ll DoElectrical Testing & Data IntegrityPerform electrical testing on detector components using high‑vacuum systems (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁶ Torr).Maintain test stations and ensure data accuracy and traceability.Identify and escalate anomalies in test results.Troubleshooting & Failure AnalysisDiagnose electrical, mechanical, and vacuum‑related issues in detector assemblies.Conduct full mechanical and electrical teardowns.Investigate failure modes such as low gain, shorts, contamination, vacuum leaks, alignment issues, or component damage.Manufacturing SupportWork directly with cleanroom operators to resolve production issues quickly.Update work instructions, procedures, and test documentation.Train operators and new engineers on testing, teardown, and handling methods.Support yield improvement and scrap‑reduction initiatives.Track, analyze, and report yields, scrap rates, and defect trends.Provide day‑to‑day support across multiple product lines; occasional off‑shift work may be required.Process Control & Continuous ImprovementUse MINITAB for basic SPC, trend analysis, and yield monitoring.Support the transition from manual to semi‑automated test equipment.Identify opportunities to improve test repeatability, throughput, and data capture.Contribute to Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and SPC implementation.Promote adherence to ISO 9001‑based quality systems.Equipment & Fixture SupportMaintain and configure high‑voltage power supplies, vacuum controllers, electrometers, oscilloscopes, and custom fixtures.Assist in modifying fixtures or creating temporary setups to maintain production continuity.Required QualificationsU.S. citizenship (required due to ITAR regulations).Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Physics, or related field).Hands‑on experience with high‑voltage systems, high‑vacuum equipment, precision instrumentation, or cleanroom operations.Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working directly with hardware.Ability to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues methodically.Strong technical communication skills—written and verbal.Proficiency with MS Office, MRP systems, databases, and analytical/statistical tools.Ability to work full‑time onsite in an ISO 7 cleanroom environment.Willingness to learn specialized detector physics and test methods.Preferred QualificationsBackground in semiconductor, photonics, vacuum systems, electron optics, or detector technologies.Experience with SPC tools, MINITAB, or basic statistical analysis.Familiarity with high‑voltage power supplies, vacuum chambers, turbopumps, or electrometers.Experience assembling or disassembling delicate electro‑mechanical components.Understanding of gain behavior or noise mechanisms in electron‑multiplying devices (e.g., PMTs, MCPs, avalanche detectors).Work Environment100% onsite in a high‑tech manufacturing facility.ISO 7 cleanroom requiring gowning, gloves, and contamination‑control procedures.Work involves high‑voltage and high‑vacuum equipment; full safety training provided.Standard day shift with occasional support needed for urgent production issues.PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection may be required.