Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers industry-leading metrology solutions essential to advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its portfolio includes systems for measuring film thickness, critical dimensions, composition, and resistivity—key to developing and scaling next-gen IC processes. FaST partners closely with customers from early R&D through high-volume production, ensuring performance and process alignment.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of precision mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor equipment. In this role, you will translate product requirements into robust design solutions, drive feasibility and analysis activities, and partner cross-functionally to bring complex subsystems from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering fundamentals, hands-on design experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive product and subsystem requirements definition and specification.
• Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate design concepts, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and models using 3D CAD tools such as Pro/ENGINEER or Creo.
• Perform engineering analyses, including fluid, thermal, vibration, and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to support robust design intent.
• Complete detailed tolerance stack-up analyses to validate performance and manufacturability.
• Lead and facilitate design reviews throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials.
• Support prototype assembly, integration, and testing activities.
• Execute system-level integration and verification testing.
• Create assembly instructions and test procedures to support development and manufacturing readiness.
• Prepare documentation for release and ensure effective handoff to manufacturing.
• Collaborate closely with optics, systems, manufacturing, and service engineering teams to ensure seamless subsystem and system integration.
• Partner with suppliers to define requirements, monitor progress, and ensure design objectives are met.
• Identify and resolve product issues across all phases of the product lifecycle.

Typical Design Challenges

• Precision mechanical design involving large and complex tolerance stack-ups
• Design for ultra-high vacuum environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal forming, and additive manufacturing.
• Solid knowledge of precision machine design principles.
• Solid understanding of statics, mechanics of materials, fluid flow, and heat transfer.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling; Creo or SolidWorks preferred.
• Familiarity with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, welding, and cast components.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including design principles, machine elements, materials, and fabrication methods.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: opto-mechanical systems, vacuum systems, inspection equipment or similar instrumentation, motion control, electronics, tooling and test fixture design, supplier management, new product introduction, or manufacturing support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to team objectives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced semiconductor development environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree and work experience of 2+ years , Bachelor's Level Degree and work experience of 3+ years

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $141,300.00 - $240,200.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Use of AI Statement 

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.