Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer - Wafer Positioning/Motion Stages

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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.

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.

We are looking for a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Central Engineering team in Milpitas! As an engineer specializing in multi axis motion systems for wafer scanning with nanometers level vibration and accuracy, you will be at the forefront of creating fast, precise, reliable, and efficient electro-mechanical systems!

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-functional team such as, controls engineers, systems engineers and manufacturing engineers to develop concept, details, and iterate on design to optimize performance.

• Present design reviews, procure prototypes, and oversee vendors for various parts, assemblies, motors, bearings, etc.

• Create test plans, drive prototype testing, system integration, & stage servo tuning to qualify stages to ensure they meet performance & reliability requirements.

• Develop procedures for assembly of various systems to ensure successful transition to manufacturing.

• Design parts and assemblies using Creo/SolidWorks; generate drawings with GD&T for high performance wafer positioning/motion stages, wafer chucks, and related tooling.

• Perform analysis and simulations, such as structural, thermal, vibration/modal FEAs to optimize components/assemblies for stiffness, damping, accuracy, and manufacturability.

• Analyze and select components such as bearings, motors, mechanisms, etc. and support selection with analysis such as FEA, motor current/voltage/power calculations.

Required

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with experience in motion systems, precision mechanics or mechatronics

• Proficient in Creo/Solidworks or similar 3D CAD modeling tools with several years of work experience

• Proficient in structural, thermal, and vibration/modal FEA

• DFM experience with machining, sheet metals, and castings

• Knowledge of data analysis tools such as Python or Matlab

Desired

• Experience with feedback systems involving high resolution optical encoders/laser interferometers, linear motors, linear guides, air bearings, etc.

• Design experience of dynamic X,Y sub-micron positioning stages

• Vibration and modal testing using accelerometers, impact hammer, etc.

• Semiconductor capital equipment design experience

• Vibration isolation system, motion control, Simulink, PID servo tuning

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

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-KLA

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. 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.