Sr. Mechanical Engineering Manager — Vacuum Systems

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 181,000 - 308,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) with match

ESPP

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead mechanical development for next‑gen EUV reticle inspection hardware in Milpitas, CA. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team delivering high‑precision, vacuum‑rated systems in demanding environments.

Responsibilities include defining architecture, driving reviews, and partnering with Technology, Optics, Systems, and Production Development to improve cost, reliability, and manufacturability. International travel possible.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years of hardware development in semiconductor tools.
• 5+ years of people management leading engineers through concept-to-release development.
• Expertise in vacuum/UHV design, precision mechanisms, and thermal-structural design.
• Strong cross-functional communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing mechanical engineering team and set technical direction.
• Own mechanical system architecture for EUV source subsystems.
• Drive design reviews, validation planning, and documentation quality.
• Collaborate with Technology, Optics, Systems, and Manufacturing to improve cost and reliability.
• Manage supplier engagement for precision parts and ensure safety-by-design.

Skills

Vacuum/UHV design

Precision mechanisms

Thermal-structural design

Vibration/dynamics

Contamination-aware design

Design-for-manufacturability/service

Cross-functional leadership

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

M.S. Mechanical Engineering

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

Job Description

The Advanced Technology of RAPID Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead mechanical development for next‑generation EUV light source in the cutting‑edge reticle inspection products. This role leads a multidisciplinary mechanical team delivering precision hardware operating in extreme environments including high vacuum, high‑power laser, thermal transients, precision opto‑mechanics, and precision motion mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high‑performing mechanical engineering team; set technical direction, priorities, and execution plans to deliver on schedule, cost, and quality. Own mechanical system architecture and delivery for EUV source subsystems including: vacuum chambers and ultra‑clean/UHV‑compatible hardware; laser/mechanical integration and beam delivery mechanical packaging; collector mirror mounting/alignment mechanisms; plasma target delivery hardware; precision motion components; gas delivery mechanical interfaces; thermal management and structural dynamics. Drive rigorous design review and release discipline, including requirements definition, tolerance analysis, validation/qualification planning, and documentation quality. Partner closely with Technology, Optics, Systems, Production Development, Machine Controls, Manufacturing and Service organizations to improve cost, performance, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability. Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for complex subsystem issues; implement design improvements that increase availability and uptime. Manage supplier technical engagement for precision parts and subassemblies, including vendor selection, qualification, and issue resolution. Embed safety‑by‑design into mechanical solutions and enable people/machine safety service/production tooling (jigs, fixtures, alignment tools, handling/lifting concepts). Occasional domestic/international travels may be required to support build/validation and customer‑site readiness.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with EUV‑adjacent source or illumination subsystems, high‑power laser‑integrated hardware, or precision opto‑mechanical alignment systems. Experience with cryogenic mechanisms and vacuum feedthroughs/seals designed for reliability and maintainability. Track record of production transfer and sustaining engineering support (tooling, procedures, and field escalation readiness).

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (M.S. preferred) or equivalent related discipline. 10+ years of experience developing complex hardware/capital equipment (semiconductor tools, precision vacuum systems, opto‑mechanical equipment, aerospace‑grade mechanisms, or similar). 5+ years of people management experience leading engineers through concept‑to‑release development. Demonstrated expertise in multiple of: vacuum/UHV design, precision mechanisms, rotating machinery/air bearings, thermal‑structural design, vibration/dynamics, contamination‑aware mechanical design, and design‑for‑manufacturability/serviceability. Strong cross‑functional communication and leadership skills; ability to drive alignment across technical stakeholders and suppliers.

Base Pay Range

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

Primary Location

USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

• participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits
• 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

Additional Information

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.