Sr. Mechanical Engineer

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the RAPID division in Milpitas, CA. You will lead the design of advanced reticle inspection systems, owning the process from requirements through manufacturing release.

The role requires strong capabilities in structural/FEA analysis, modal and vibration analysis, thermal engineering, and CAD-driven development. You will collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure quality and on-schedule delivery.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering with 2+ years of experience, or Master’s with 4+ years, or Bachelor’s with 5+ years.
• Strong CAD and detailed drawings experience for precision mechanical systems.
• Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing release.
• Proven ability to perform structural/modal/thermal/CFD analyses and communicate results.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development from concept through manufacturing release.
• Translate ambiguous requirements into clear engineering specifications.
• Perform and guide analyses: structural, modal, thermal, and fluid flow.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive design reviews and handoffs.

Skills

Structural/FEA analysis

Modal & vibration analysis

Thermal engineering

Fluid flow / CFD

CAD assemblies

Detail drawings

Education

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (e.g., Creo/SolidWorks/CATIA)

FEA software (e.g., ANSYS/ABAQUS)

Job description

Company OverviewKLA 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/DivisionWith 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 QualificationsAbout RAPIDThe RAPID division is the leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. We deliver advanced inspection systems to both mask shops and semiconductor fabs, ensuring consistently high lithography yields and enabling cost-effective manufacturing.Role OverviewWe are seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our RAPID engineering team, supporting the development of next-generation semiconductor capital equipment. This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with an ownership mindset—from concept through manufacturing handoff.The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, brings clarity to requirements, and leads complex engineering efforts end-to-end.As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop sophisticated precision mechanical and opto-mechanical inspection systems. You will take full ownership of the design process—from requirements definition and feasibility studies through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing release.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end mechanical design and development , from requirements definition through manufacturing releaseTranslate ambiguous or high-level requirements into clear, actionable engineering specificationsPerform and guide detailed engineering analyses, including:Structural analysisModal and vibration analysisThermal analysisFluid flow modelingDesign and optimize systems with a focus on vibration isolation and damping performanceDrive concept development, engineering studies, and design decisions , balancing performance, cost, and manufacturabilityOwn subsystem or product-level deliverables, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and accountabilityCollaborate cross-functionally with systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and service teamsSupport design reviews (RDR, CDR, DDR) , validation, and system integrationLead manufacturing handoff , including documentation, vendor engagement, and issue resolution during buildsPreferred QualificationsExperience in semiconductor capital equipment or similar high-complexity hardware systemsFamiliarity with:Vibration damping and isolation techniquesGD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision engineeringManufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, etc.)Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing releaseWhat We’re Looking ForA self-starter who can bring structure to ambiguityA systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary trade-offsA technical leader who takes pride in ownership and deliverySomeone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-project environmentMinimum QualificationsRequired QualificationsDoctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 2+ years of experience, ORMaster’s degree with 4+ years of experience, ORBachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experienceStrong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas:Structural/FEA analysisModal & vibration analysisThermal engineeringFluid flow / CFDExperience designing mechanical systemsExtensive experience with CAD assemblies and detailed drawingsExperience creating procedures for manufacturing, field installation, and serviceProven track record of taking ownership of sophisticated engineering problems and delivering solutionsStrong decision-making skills with demonstrated accountability and follow-throughExcellent communication and collaboration skillsBase Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 AnnuallyPrimary 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.Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA . Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [e-mail] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.