Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA
Full-time
$117,800.00 - $200,300.00
Posted Nov 13, 2026

Skills

Communication
GD&T
PTC Creo
Problem Solving
Robotics
Teamwork
Finite Element Analysis

Job description

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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer / Senior Mechanical Engineer to develop, integrate, and qualify sophisticated mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor capital equipment!

The ideal candidate is passionate about mechanical design and enjoys taking hardware from concept and CAD through prototype, cleanroom integration, testing, and production release . Systems include high/UHV vacuum, ultra-clean environments, robotics and automation, thermal management, controls integration, and gas/water/vacuum distribution.

Responsibilities

•Develop mechanical components, assemblies, mechanisms, and subsystems for semiconductor equipment.

•Own designs from concept through prototype, integration, validation, and production release .

•Create 3D CAD models, drawings, GD&T, tolerance analyses, and BOMs.

•Design for high-vacuum/UHV and ultra-clean environments , including contamination control, materials, sealing, and serviceability.

•Integrate robotics, precision motion, sensors, actuators, and controls hardware.

•Design gas, water/cooling, pneumatic, and vacuum distribution systems, including P&IDs and routing.

•Perform thermal, structural, stress, and tolerance analysis.

•Apply DFM/DFA and collaborate with suppliers on manufacturable, cost-effective designs.

•Work hands-on in labs and cleanrooms to integrate, test, solve, and improve hardware .

•Conduct design reviews and support verification, qualification, and root-cause investigations.

•Collaborate across systems, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and service teams.

Required Qualifications

•Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

•5 years of mechanical design experience , preferably in semiconductor capital equipment or complex precision equipment.

•Strong proficiency in 3D solid-modeling CAD. PTC Creo preferred.

•Demonstrated experience taking mechanical designs from concept through build and test.

•Strong knowledge of machine design, GD&T, tolerance analysis, materials/manufacturing processes, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and precision mechanical assemblies .

•Willingness to work directly with hardware in lab and cleanroom environments.

•Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

•Semiconductor capital-equipment experience.

•High-vacuum/UHV and contamination-control experience.

•Robotics, wafer/reticle handling, automation, or precision-motion systems.

•Gas, water/cooling, pneumatic, and vacuum-system design.

•Creo and Windchill experience.

•FEA, CFD, thermal, structural, or vibration analysis experience.

•Familiarity with SEMI S2/S8 or related semiconductor equipment standards.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an engineer who loves to design and build mechanical systems and is as comfortable working in Creo as they are working hands-on in the cleanroom.

You should be curious, hardworking, practical, and willing to take ownership of challenging engineering problems. Successful designs must not only perform well, but also be manufacturable, reliable, serviceable, and robust in the field .

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 2 years, Master's Level Degree or work experience of 4 years, Bachelor's Level Degree or 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 - $200,300.00 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.