Mechanical Design Manager (opto-mechanical)

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 153,000 - 261,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA is seeking a senior opto-mechanical design leader to drive development of precision mechanisms and optics modules for next-generation reticle inspection tools. You will lead a cross-functional team, set technical goals, and collaborate with suppliers and internal groups to ensure flawless integration and testing.

The role emphasizes leadership, advanced design expertise in opto-mechanical systems, and a track record of delivering complex hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of relevant experience with proven ability to lead including 2+ years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the opto-mechanical design team.
• Set technical goals, prioritize projects, and allocate resources effectively.
• Guide the team in solving complex design challenges, including optomechanical and precision mechanism design.
• Ensure designs meet high standards for stiffness, sub-micron motion, thermal control, and material quality.
• Oversee documentation, compliance with development phases, and risk management.
• Support new product introduction and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or higher

6+ years of experience

Tools

Creo

FEA

CFD

LabVIEW

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

Lead and manage a team of opto-mechanical design engineers responsible for developing innovative precision mechanisms, optics modules, and subsystems for current and next-generation reticle inspection tools. Oversee the design process, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to product development phases, and alignment with organizational goals. Foster collaboration with world-class suppliers and internal engineering groups (Optics, Systems, Manufacturing, and Service) to achieve flawless integration and testing at both subsystem and system levels. Drive continuous improvement, mentor team members, and champion best practices in design and project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the opto-mechanical design team.


• Set technical goals, prioritize projects, and allocate resources effectively.


• Guide the team in solving complex design challenges, including optomechanical and precision mechanism design, ultra-high and ultra-clean vacuum functionality, and precision stage/actuation systems.


• Ensure designs meet high standards for stiffness, sub-micron motion, thermal control, and use of advanced materials.


• Build strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams to meet challenging requirements.


• Oversee documentation, compliance with product development phases, and risk management.


• Support new product introduction and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills

• Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.


• Experience managing and developing engineering teams.


• Strong background in opto-mechanical and precision mechanism design.


• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and drive team performance.


• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, castings).


• Initiative, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Creo (ProEngineer) and experience with FEA, GD&T, and CFD modeling tools (Pro/Mechanica, ANSYS, CF Design).


• Experience with supplier management, motion control, electronics, data acquisition (LabView), instrumentation, tooling, and test fixture design.


• Track record of successful new product introductions and cross-functional project leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or higher in related field or equivalent combination of any relevant education and experience

6+ years of relevant experience with proven ability to lead including 2 + years of management experience

Base Pay Range: $153,300.00 - $260,600.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA'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.