Manufacturing Engineer (Precision Mechanical)

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support production, introduction, and continuous improvement of semiconductor capital equipment. You will partner with engineering, operations, suppliers, and field teams to resolve technical challenges and drive operational excellence.

You will lead root cause investigations, develop manufacturing processes, analyze data, and support NPI activities, with travel up to 25% and a focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Mechatronics engineering.
• 3+ years in manufacturing, production engineering, NPI, or operations.
• Experience with optical, mechatronic, or other precision industrial equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills with the ability to diagnose complex technical problems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex manufacturing, quality, and reliability data.
• Cross-functional, fast-paced environments and managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills at technical and management levels.
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a desire to improve products, processes, and systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for manufacturing, supplier, and field-related issues.
• Drive cross-functional efforts with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Systems, and Test Engineering teams to improve product performance, reliability, quality, and manufacturability.
• Perform failure analysis and diagnostic troubleshooting on complex electromechanical, optical, and motion control systems.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, BOM structures, and production methods to support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, improve process capability, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, design transfers, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with external suppliers to resolve technical issues, improve component quality, and ensure manufacturing readiness.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to cross-functional teams, leadership, and customers.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Continuous improvement

Technical communication

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Job description

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

KLA is seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer to support the production, introduction, and continuous improvement of sophisticated semiconductor capital equipment. This role partners closely with engineering, operations, suppliers, and field teams to resolve complex technical challenges, improve manufacturability, and drive operational excellence across the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for manufacturing, supplier, and field-related issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Drive cross-functional efforts with Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Systems, and Test Engineering teams to improve product performance, reliability, quality, and manufacturability.
• Perform failure analysis and diagnostic troubleshooting on complex electromechanical, optical, and motion control systems.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, work instructions, BOM structures, and production methods to support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, improve process capability, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, design transfers, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with external suppliers to resolve technical issues, improve component quality, and ensure manufacturing readiness.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to cross-functional teams, leadership, and customers.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience supporting manufacturing, production engineering, NPI, or operations within a high-tech industry.
• Experience with optical, mechatronic, or other precision industrial equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills with the ability to diagnose complex technical problems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex manufacturing, quality, and reliability data.
• Proven experience working in cross-functional, fast-paced environments and managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at both technical and management levels.
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a desire to improve products, processes, and systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision motion control systems, robotics, microscopes, automation equipment, medical devices, stages, or similar high-precision instrumentation.
• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or other advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience resolving technical issues with external suppliers and driving supplier quality improvements.

Travel

Up to 25% domestic and international travel as business needs require.

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

$106,700.00 - $181,400.00 Annually

Primary Location

USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Total rewards package

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.

Pay and Compensation

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.