Manufacturing Systems Engineer - Optics

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(K) including company matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Wellness benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Family care and bonding leave

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer II to support manufacturing operations, NPI activities, and continuous improvement for sophisticated optical inspection systems. You’ll work with Systems, Optics, Software, and Manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and scale while transitioning new tech into production.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years of relevant engineering experience, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Optical, Physics, Manufacturing or Systems Engineering.
• 1–3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, NPI, product engineering or optics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and schematics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing operations and NPI activities for advanced optical inspection systems.
• Assist in integration, assembly and qualification of precision optical and opto‑mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with Systems, Optics, Software and Manufacturing Engineering teams to resolve production issues.
• Analyze manufacturing data and support process improvements using statistical methods.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions and methods.
• Support DFM initiatives and provide feedback to engineering teams.
• Assist with BOM creation, ECO implementation and manufacturing readiness.
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematics and CAD models for manufacturing support.
• Work with suppliers and quality teams on material and component quality issues.
• Support cross‑functional projects focusing on yield, cost, quality and cycle time.
• Travel up to 15–20% as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Optical/Physics/Manufacturing/Systems Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

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

As a Manufacturing Design Engineer II, you will support manufacturing operations, new product introduction (NPI) activities, and continuous improvement initiatives for sophisticated optical inspection systems. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will help ensure products are manufacturable, reliable, and scalable while supporting the transition of new technologies into production. This role is ideal for an engineer with a strong technical foundation who enjoys solving manufacturing challenges in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing operations and NPI activities for advanced optical inspection systems.
• Assist in the integration, assembly, and qualification of precision optical and opto‑mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with Systems, Optics, Software, and Manufacturing Engineering teams to investigate and resolve production issues.
• Analyze manufacturing data and support process improvement efforts using statistical methods and data‑driven problem solving.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities to improve product quality and reliability.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and best‑known methods.
• Support design for manufacturability (DfM) initiatives and provide feedback to engineering teams.
• Assist with bill of material (BOM) creation, engineering change implementation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and CAD models to support manufacturing and troubleshooting activities.
• Work with suppliers and internal quality teams to address material and component quality issues.
• Support cross‑functional projects focused on yield improvement, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and cycle‑time reduction.
• Travel up to 15–20% as required to support suppliers, manufacturing sites, or business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 1–3 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, NPI, product engineering, optics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to semiconductor equipment, optics, imaging systems, precision manufacturing, or high‑tech capital equipment.
• Experience with statistical analysis, data analysis tools, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting/programming languages.
• Understanding of optical alignment, metrology, or opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Experience working with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across global engineering organizations.

What Success Looks Like

• Quickly becomes proficient with BBP products and manufacturing processes.
• Resolves manufacturing issues with guidance from senior engineers.
• Contributes to process improvements that enhance product quality, manufacturability, and efficiency.
• Builts strong cross‑functional relationships and effectively supports NPI and sustaining manufacturing activities.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range: $83,400.00 - $141,800.00 Annually

If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Primary Location

USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Total Rewards Package

• Participation in performance incentive programs
• Eligibility for 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
• 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.

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. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

Additional Information

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Now hiring curious minds who want to learn even more. Explore KLA at www.kla.com/careers