a linear actuator comprised of an actuator body having a first portion and a second portion , each arranged along a longitudinal axis of the actuator body . a vacuum bellows is concentrically located in the first portion and is configured to seal a vacuum environment from the second portion . a linear motion shaft is concentrically located substantially within the actuator body and is configured to move in a linear direction along the longitudinal axis . an electrically conductive portion of the shaft is concentrically located substantially within the vacuum bellows and electrically insulated therefrom and is configured to receive and conduct a signal . a lift force generating portion of the shaft is concentrically located substantially within the second portion . an electrical contact pad is electrically coupled to the conductive portion of the shaft and is configured to couple the signal to another surface upon activation of the shaft .