Mechanical Design Manager

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 181,000 - 307,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas is seeking a leader to head a team of mechanical or opto‑mechanical engineers to develop advanced wafer inspection equipment, combining leadership with deep technical expertise to deliver innovative products from concept to production.

The successful candidate will drive technical strategies, build and develop engineering talent, and lead the execution in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• BS with 15+ years of relevant leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead mechanical or opto‑mechanical design teams.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with precision systems or semiconductor equipment design.
• Self‑driven and persistent in achieving targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical or opto‑mechanical engineers from concept to production.
• Drive technical strategy and mentor engineering talent.
• Translate system requirements into innovative engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure performance of wafer inspection equipment for Surfscan platforms.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical design

Opto-mechanical

Platform design

Vibration analysis

Motion control

Thermal management

Cross-functional teamwork

System requirements translation

DUV optics understanding

Education

BS with 15+ years

MS with 10+ years

PhD with 7+ years

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.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next‑generation devices to volume production quickly and cost‑effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non‑uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Job Summary

Lead a team of either mechanical or opto‑mechanical engineers to develop advanced wafer inspection equipment. This role combines strong leadership with deep technical expertise to deliver innovative, high‑performance products from concept through production. The successful candidate will drive technical strategies, build and develop engineering talent, and lead the execution in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered commercially successful technology products.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering teams and driving technical execution in a complex, multidisciplinary development environment.
• Strong ability to translate system‑level requirements into innovative and practical engineering solutions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, communicate complex technical concepts, and drive cross‑functional decisions.
• Strong experience in precision systems or semiconductor equipment design, with expertise in one of the following areas:
  • Opto‑mechanical systems: understanding of first‑order optics, with extensive experience in optical mounting, alignment, and tolerancing; ability to lead the design and development of large‑scale opto‑mechanical systems, including DUV applications.
  • Platform design: experience in most of the following areas: precision stages and wafer chucks, vibration analysis and isolation, motion control, thermal management, wafer handling systems, electronic racks, safety enclosures, and large mechanical structures.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading mechanical design efforts that delivered commercially successful technology products
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, multidisciplinary engineering problems and drive them to resolution
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts, align cross‑functional teams, and drive decisions.
• Strong experience in precision systems or semiconductor equipment design, with expertise in one of the following areas:
  • Opto‑mechanical systems: solid understanding of first‑order optics, with deep experience in optical mounting, alignment, and tolerancing; ability to lead large opto‑mechanical system design, including DUV applications
  • Platform design: experience with stage/chuck systems, vibration analysis and isolation, motion control, thermal management (heating/cooling), purging, and structural/frame design
• Self‑driving, motivated and never give up or comprise the target.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS with 15+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 7+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated leadership experience.

Base Pay Range: $181,000.00 - $307,700.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.