Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineer - High Precision Motion Platforms

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a hands‑on Mechatronics Engineer to design, model, and optimize ultra‑precision motion systems that enable next‑generation wafer inspection on our eBeam platform. You will own end‑to‑end motion performance—from plant modeling and loop shaping to diagnostics and test processes—working multi-functionally with design, manufacturing, and field service to deliver nm‑level stability and fast stage settling in high‑vacuum, high‑voltage environments.

Responsibilities

• Design precision motion stages (actuator, sensor and servo) with integrated controls to meet bandwidth, stability, and following-error requirements.

• Tune and validate servos using interferometer/encoder feedback, perform noise analysis, and adjust gains for optimal robustness and speed.

• Create high-fidelity models (Matlab/Simulink) to improve motion profiles, feed-forward strategies, and control architectures for wafer inspection.

• Define clear requirements and tolerances for multi-functional teams (Firmware, Software, Electrical, Mechanical) in feature development and integration.

• Develop diagnostics and test processes for NPI; train manufacturing and service engineers.

• Lead improvement projects to reduce jitter, increase servo bandwidth, and decrease settling time (e.g., modal mitigation, structural or upstream control enhancements).

• Document and communicate trade-offs and design choices; present data-driven recommendations and risk mitigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or related engineering field

• 5+ years in precision motion systems or controls for high‑performance mechatronic platforms (wafer inspection, metrology, robotics)

• Strong control theory foundation: PID/PIV, cascade loops, loop shaping, stability margins (PM/GM/BW), observers, feed-forward

• Fluency in MATLAB/Simulink for modeling/simulation; proficiency with FFT/signal processing for diagnostics

• Hands‑on servo tuning and feedback setup using laser interferometers/encoders; demonstrated experience debugging motion noise and precision errors

• Experience translating requirements into released specifications and collaborating with multi-discipline teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in XY Stages, Motion controllers and DSP-based servo systems design

• Proficient in signal processing and analysis using Matlab and Python

• Skilled in simulations and system dynamics, particularly with Simulink

• Experienced in vibration analysis and the use of accelerometers and/or other feedback sensors

• Experience in manufacturing processes and mechanical design

• Experience in the semiconductor industry is considered an asset

• Experience in developing requirements and test plans

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.

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.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.