Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Precision Motion Stages

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(K) including company matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA, is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design a next‑generation ultra‑precision, high‑vacuum motion stage for eBeam inspection. You will drive the design from concept through validation, partnering with controls, systems, and manufacturing to deliver nanometer‑level accuracy and stability.

Responsibilities include FEA, tolerance analysis, prototype testing, vendor engagement, and safety‑by‑design. Strong CAD skills and vacuum‑compatible materials knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with motion systems, precision mechanics, or mechatronics.
• DFM experience across machining, sheet metal, and castings; data analysis with Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the mechanical architecture of next‑generation multi‑DOF ultra‑precision motion stages for high‑vacuum environments.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration/ modal FEA and tolerance analysis; build and test prototypes.
• Partner with controls, systems, and manufacturing to integrate stages at subsystem and system levels.
• Own supplier engagement for precision parts; select and qualify vendors and resolve issues.
• Embed safety‑by‑design; develop tooling and fixtures for production and service.

Skills

Motion systems

Vacuum engineering

Mechatronics

Education

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo/SolidWorks

Python

MATLAB

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

This role requires an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to design a next‑generation stage design for high‑vacuum platforms, meeting demanding ultra‑precision and noise‑control requirements! As a senior engineer, you will drive stage mechanical design from concept through validation and sustaining, partnering closely with controls, systems, and manufacturing teams to deliver nanometer‑level accuracy and stability. If you are energized by solving hard precision‑and‑vacuum‑engineering problems for mission‑critical semiconductor inspection equipment, we would like to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the mechanical architecture of next‑generation multi‑DOF ultra‑precision motion stages that operate under high vacuum for eBeam inspection and review, taking the work from concept through detailed design, prototyping, and validation to meet nanometer‑level accuracy, stability, and noise‑control targets, including: Multi‑degree‑of‑freedom stage structures, flexures, and precision motion mechanisms. Vacuum‑and UHV‑compatible materials and hardware with low‑outgassing, contamination‑controlled design. Bearing, guide, and actuation selection such as air bearings, linear guides, and linear motors. Metrology and feedback integration, including laser interferometers and high‑resolution encoders. Thermal management and drift compensation for stable, repeatable positioning. Structural dynamics, damping, and vibration/noise isolation. Design parts and assemblies in Creo/SolidWorks and generate detailed drawings with GD&T, driving rigorous design‑review and release discipline from requirements definition through validation and qualification.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration/modal FEA and tolerance stack‑up analysis to optimize stiffness, damping, accuracy, and manufacturability, and build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes — including modal testing with accelerometers and impact hammers — to characterize dynamic performance and correlate models against test data.
• Partner closely with controls, systems, and manufacturing engineers to integrate the stage at the subsystem and system level and to improve performance, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
• Own supplier technical engagement for precision parts and subassemblies — motors, bearings, encoders, and machined or cast components — including vendor selection, qualification, and issue resolution.
• Embed safety‑by‑design into mechanical solutions and develop service and production tooling such as jigs, fixtures, alignment tools, and handling concepts.

Required Qualifications

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with experience in motion systems, precision mechanics, or mechatronics. Proficiency in Creo/SolidWorks or a similar 3D CAD modeling tool, backed by several years of work experience, along with structural, thermal, and vibration/modal FEA. Design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM) experience across machining, sheet metal, and castings; working knowledge of data‑analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with feedback systems involving laser interferometers and high‑resolution optical encoders, linear motors, linear guides, air bearings, and similar components. Design experience with dynamic X‑Y sub‑micron positioning stages, including vibration and modal testing using accelerometers, impact hammers, and comparable instrumentation. Semiconductor capital‑equipment design experience.

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

Base Pay Range: $141,300.00 - $240,200.00 Annually

Primary Location

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

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.

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.

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