Manager/Senior Manager, Motion Systems (Semiconductor R&D)

Location: One North, Singapore

About the Company

Galatek stands at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, serving as a catalyst for global transformation. Headquartered in Singapore, with R&D and delivery centres in Germany, the United States, Japan, and China, our global presence reflects our commitment to delivering top-tier solutions and being a responsible global citizen. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing human life and shaping a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future, we empower the world's brightest minds to push the boundaries of possibility.

Galatek is an ambitious start-up fuelled by a diverse team of exceptional talents from leading global universities. United by a shared vision of innovation, we are pioneering advancements in robotics automation and artificial intelligence, transforming their applications in Biopharmaceutical and Semiconductor Manufacturing. By providing cutting-edge production tools, we liberate researchers and innovators from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on discovery and advancement. From life sciences and clinical diagnostics to applied chemicals, integrated circuits, and sustainable energy, we ignite a wave of breakthroughs that redefine industries and drive meaningful progress.

About the Job

At Galatek Singapore, we're at the forefront of innovation in advanced semiconductor equipment - developing high-precision, high-speed machines that enable the next generation of chip manufacturing. We are seeking a Senior Engineer, Motion Systems to join our multidisciplinary team, helping us build sophisticated, high-performance motion platforms from the ground up.

Job Summary

As the Manager, Motion Systems, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing the motion architecture for our next-generation semiconductor tools. Working closely with system, mechanical, software, and controls teams, you'll ensure the motion system delivers best-in-class performance in speed, accuracy, and stability. Key Responsibilities:

• Design and optimize precision motion subsystems, including linear/rotary actuators, direct-drive motors, high-resolution encoders, and feedback systems.
• Tune motion systems for optimal speed, accuracy, and repeatability, balancing dynamic performance with mechanical limits and environmental constraints.
• Implement and refine vibration isolation, structural damping, and active noise cancellation strategies to suppress mechanical disturbances and maintain system stability.
• Analyse and fine-tune servo control loops, motion trajectories, and response profiles using tools like MATLAB, LabVIEW, or real-time diagnostic platforms.
• Collaborate with system, mechanical, and software engineers to integrate motion elements with vision alignment systems, sensors, and control software.
• Conduct dynamic simulations and modal analysis to predict and mitigate resonances and compliance issues.
• Develop tuning procedures and documentation to ensure consistent system performance and enable scaling across product lines.
• Support system bring-up, root-cause analysis, and continuous performance improvement throughout the product lifecycle.
• Participate in DFMEA, reliability analysis, and NPI validation for motion-critical subsystems.
• Interface with motion component vendors to evaluate solutions and optimize cost vs. performance trade-offs.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering; advanced qualifications a strong plus.
• 8-10 years of relevant experience in high-precision motion system design in semiconductor capital equipment, advanced automation, or robotics.
• Deep understanding of servo tuning, PID control, trajectory planning, and motion optimization techniques.
• Experience with vibration modelling, isolation system design, and structural dynamics analysis (e.g., modal testing, FEA, or simulation tools).
• Hands-on experience with motion controllers (e.g., Omron Delta Tau, Beckhoff, ACS, or similar) and high-performance feedback systems (encoders, laser interferometers, capacitive sensors).
• Strong grasp of system dynamics, stiffness tuning, and noise cancellation strategies.
• Familiarity with real-time control integration, vision/motion synchronization, and coordination with software teams.
• Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, and simulation/modelling tools would be a plus.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills with a hands-on mindset and systems-level thinking.
• Clear communication skills with a collaborative, cross-functional working style.
• Exposure to NPI and productization processes including system validation, testing, and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Mandarin (for working with clients and vendors in the region).
• Willing to travel 25% time during new product transition and supplier engagement periods.