Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 141,300 - 240,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Employee stock purchase program

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Milpitas, California, to lead the mechanical redesign of critical semiconductor inspection modules. This role involves technical leadership from requirements definition through design and manufacturing transfer.

The ideal candidate will manage subsystem architecture and mentor junior engineers while ensuring effective integration with cross-functional teams. A doctorate, master's, or bachelor's degree with relevant experience is required, and a comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Doctorate with 3 years experience, Master's with 6 years, or Bachelor's with 8 years.
• Experience in vacuum systems and semiconductor capital equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of UHV and HV mechanical systems.
• Drive subsystem architecture and design decisions.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices.

Skills

Precision mechanical design

UHV system design

High-voltage mechanical integration

GD&T

FEA

Root-cause analysis

CAD tools (Creo/ProE)

Education

Doctorate, Master's, or Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Creo/ProE

Job description

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will lead the mechanical redesign of critical semiconductor inspection modules involving Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV), High Voltage (HV), precision mechanisms, and complex electro‑mechanical integration. This role will provide technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle—from requirements definition through design, qualification, manufacturing transfer, and sustaining support.

The engineer will drive subsystem architecture, design decisions, supplier strategy, risk management, and cross‑functional execution while mentoring junior engineers and influencing product direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of complex UHV and HV mechanical systems and assemblies.
• Own subsystem architecture, requirements flow‑down, interface definition, and technical decision‑making.
• Drive major redesign initiatives to improve performance, reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and cost.
• Lead tolerance analysis, error budgeting, GD&T strategy, and performance verification.
• Define and execute structural, thermal, vibration, vacuum, and reliability analyses.
• Lead design reviews and develop mitigation plans for technical risks.
• Partner with Systems, Electron Optics, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Reliability, and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful integration.
• Build strong technical relationships with suppliers and oversee fabrication, qualification, and process transfers.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and resolution of complex field, manufacturing, and integration issues.
• Develop qualification strategies and validate subsystem performance against requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish engineering best practices.
• Support product roadmap planning and future architecture development.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Deep expertise in precision mechanical design for semiconductor capital equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of UHV system design, vacuum hardware, contamination control, and vacuum‑compatible materials.
• Strong understanding of high‑voltage mechanical integration, electrical isolation, feedthroughs, and safety considerations.
• Expert‑level GD&T, tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and design‑for‑manufacturing practices.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical projects.
• Advanced knowledge of FEA, thermal analysis, modal analysis, creep, stress relaxation, and structural mechanics.
• Demonstrated supplier management experience including design reviews, qualification, process transfer, and problem resolution.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Excellent technical communication, leadership, and collaboration abilities.
• Expert proficiency with Creo/ProE or similar CAD tools.
• Experience in the development and integration of semiconductor capital equipment.
• Hands‑on experience in vibration measurement, analysis, troubleshooting, and mitigation for precision systems.
• Strong data analysis skills, including statistical evaluation, interpretation, and presentation of engineering data.

Typical Experience

• Semiconductor equipment, electron beam systems, vacuum systems, or precision instrumentation experience strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master’s Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range

$141,300.00 - $240,200.00 Annually

Primary Location

USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

KLA’s total rewards package includes participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, voluntary benefits, 401(k) with company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement, development and career growth opportunities, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits, paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.

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 [e-mail] or [phone] to request accommodation.