Sr. Mechanical Engineer
KLA · Milpitas, United States · 2d ago
To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.
Group/Division
The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.What You'll Do
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.
About RAPID
The 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 Overview
We 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 Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development, from requirements definition through manufacturing release
- Translate ambiguous or high-level requirements into clear, actionable engineering specifications
- Perform and guide detailed engineering analyses, including:
- Structural analysis
- Modal and vibration analysis
- Thermal analysis
- Fluid flow modeling
- Design and optimize systems with a focus on vibration isolation and damping performance
- Drive concept development, engineering studies, and design decisions, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Own subsystem or product-level deliverables, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and accountability
- Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and service teams
- Support design reviews (RDR, CDR, DDR), validation, and system integration
- Lead manufacturing handoff, including documentation, vendor engagement, and issue resolution during builds
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or similar high-complexity hardware systems
- Familiarity with:
- Vibration damping and isolation techniques
- GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision engineering
- Manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, etc.)
- Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing release
What We’re Looking For
- A self-starter who can bring structure to ambiguity
- A systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary trade-offs
- A technical leader who takes pride in ownership and delivery
- Someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 2+ years of experience, OR
Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience, OR
Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience - Strong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas:
- Structural/FEA analysis
- Modal & vibration analysis
- Thermal engineering
- Fluid flow / CFD
- Experience designing mechanical systems
- Extensive experience with CAD assemblies and detailed drawings
- Experience creating procedures for manufacturing, field installation, and service
- Proven track record of taking ownership of sophisticated engineering problems and delivering solutions
- Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated accountability and follow-through
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
About KLA
We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.
Total Rewards
Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $172,800.00 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.
Use of AI Statement
At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.
Equal Opportunity 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.