Technical lead - FEA, ANSYS, Abaqus
United States
Job Description
Technical lead - FEA, ANSYS, Abaqus
Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Job Summary

The Simulation Engineer 3 will be responsible for developing and applying MATLAB-based models and simulations to support the design, development, and performance optimization of semiconductor etch tool components and subsystems. This is a key member of the engineering team, partnering closely with hardware, process, controls, and manufacturing to translate requirements into validated predictive models. The role focuses on physics-based and data-informed simulation (e.g., thermal, flow, and system-level behavior) to guide design decisions, de-risk prototypes, and improve tool performance and reliability

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop MATLAB/Simulink models to simulate etch tool components and subsystem behavior across operating conditions
  • Build physics-based and reduced-order models (ROMs) for component-level phenomena (e.g., thermal behavior, flow distribution, and system behavior)
  • Translate component requirements and tool performance targets into simulation assumptions, boundary conditions, and measurable acceptance criteria
  • Perform analytical studies and numerical simulations in MATLAB (e.g. parameter estimation, optimization, uncertainty/sensitivity analysis)
  • Partner with design and process teams to define simulation plans that inform component architecture, tolerances, and control strategies
  • Validate models using test data (DOE, characterization, tool logs) and ensure simulations are traceable, repeatable, and aligned with engineering best practices
  • Communicate simulation results via clear plots, reports, and presentations; explain limitations, assumptions, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Provide simulation expertise while participating in design reviews and technical risk assessments for etch tool component changes
  • Support cross-functional execution by providing model-based inputs to schedules, build priorities, and supplier/component trade studies
  • Collaborate with lab and manufacturing teams to instrument components, collect data, and close the loop between simulation and hardware behavior
  • Develop simulation-based test plans and design-of-experiments (DOE) to quantify performance drivers and support prototype bring-up and troubleshooting
  • Create and maintain simulation documentation (assumptions, verification/validation, versioning) and release artifacts per configuration control processes
  • Support program milestones with model maturity planning (verification/validation gates) and clear deliverables that integrate with the product life cycle
  • Understand and adhere to applicable semiconductor equipment standards and internal modeling/verification practices

Skill Requirements

Qualifications:
BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of experience in simulation/modeling for complex electromechanical systems (semiconductor equipment experience preferred), or an MS degree with 6 years of experience. Demonstrated expertise building and validating MATLAB-based models is required. MS degree preferred.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment as part of a multi-disciplinary team; able to take initiative, own full modeling efforts, and/or lead a small project team
  • Advanced proficiency with MATLAB; experience with Simulink is strongly preferred
  • Strong background in numerical methods, modeling of dynamic systems, and simulation verification/validation (V&V)
  • Experience handling experimental/tool data for model calibration (e.g., scripting, data cleaning, parameter fitting, statistical analysis)
  • Working knowledge of mechanical systems and/or controls sufficient to model actuators, sensors, and subsystem interactions in etch tools
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including requirements/specification development; ability to make technical presentations and communicate modeling assumptions and results
  • Knowledge of semiconductor etch equipment and component physics (e.g., gas delivery, thermal management, vacuum systems, RF/plasma interfaces) is a plus
  • Experience planning and executing modeling projects (scope, milestones, risks) is a plus
  • Hands-on mindset with ability to correlate models to hardware through testing, prototyping support, and structured troubleshooting
  • Proficient with common documentation and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office); experience with version control for code/models is a plus
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to customer sites and/or supplier facilities on an as-needed basis

Other Requirements

1.Professional certification in Matlab

Maximum Salary (US):  123000
Minimum Salary (US):  81000
Information at a Glance

Why HCLTech?

At HCLTech, you'll supercharge your potential. You'll find your career. And you'll find your spark. All at a place that knows that helping its customers stay on top starts by putting its people first.

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 226,300 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending December 2025 totaled $14.5 billion.

Compensation and Benefits

A candidate’s pay within the range will depend on their skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per year.