Applications Engineer

Location: Japan Yokohama

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Applications Engineer (R16606)

Position Summary
The ESI Systems Applications Engineer works closely with the Product Marketing team to define, develop, and optimize printed circuit board (PCB) processing using ESI laser drilling systems. This role plays a critical part in supporting the development of processing solutions tailored to customer applications and facilitating their transition into manufacturing environments. You will directly contribute to introducing new CO₂ laser systems into the HDI/ICP market.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate material processing and inspection performance (accuracy, throughput, etc.)

• Support application group activities related to evaluation of existing products

• Propose innovative solutions and laser processes for new applications by leveraging company expertise

• Optimize processes using DOE (Design of Experiments)

• Conduct inspection evaluations using various tools (microscopes, SEM, etc.)

• Analyze data using relevant statistical and image analysis software

• Manage development based on ESI standard application evaluation methods

• Participate in maintenance of required test equipment

• Engage in customer-facing activities and development of new applications

• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Service, and Engineering teams for process optimization

• Provide customer support, system demonstrations, and application development assistance

• Communicate and report to domestic teams and U.S. headquarters

• Domestic and international travel (e.g., Portland, OR; Singapore)

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or 5+ years of related experience

• Experience in laser process development and understanding of laser-material interactions

• Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach

• Customer-facing experience, analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities

• Native-level Japanese proficiency and business-level English (reading, writing, speaking)

Preferred

• Experience with CO₂ or UV lasers in PCB/FPC markets

• Knowledge of optical and scanning subsystems

• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, etc.

Work Environment

• PPE required as per safety regulations

• Occasional exposure to machine parts, vibration, and noise

• Ability to lift up to approximately 10 kg when necessary

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations.  Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected] .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role