Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer, Precision Motion Stages

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

The Central Engineering Team seeks a 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: $141,300.00 - $240,200.00 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.

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.

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 talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.