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 Summary

Sr Mechanical Engineers are core to KLA's technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our Sr Mechanical Engineering talent community, we are interested in learning about your background. Apply to this posting for Future Opportunities with KLA.

Role Summary

KLA is launching its most advanced reticle inspection tool, built on a multi‑zone, ultra‑clean vacuum (UCV) architecture. As a Senior Vacuum Architect, you will own the end‑to‑end vacuum operation scheme—from architecture and contamination control strategy to pump‑down/vent/transfer sequencing, interlocks, and factory acceptance criteria. You will lead cross‑functional design reviews, translate platform requirements into subsystem specifications, and ensure the vacuum system enables world‑class optical performance, reliability, and high‑volume manufacturability. (Aligned to the internal Vacuum System Design Review process and architecture-level responsibilities for a designated Vacuum System Architect.)

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design, integration, and validation of complex, multi‑chamber subsystems, ensuring structural stability, precision performance, and robust contamination control.
• Design and develop ultra‑clean vacuum system hardware, including chamber structures, interfaces, materials/finishes, seals, and internal components, applying UCV principles such as low‑outgassing materials, precision cleaning requirements, and contamination‑minimizing geometries.
• Develop mechanical concepts and detailed designs for chambers, frames, interfaces, mounts, enclosures, and precision mechanisms; create drawings, specifications, and requirements for cross‑functional teams.
• Drive structural, thermal, fluid, and vibrational analyses to optimize component performance and system stability.
• Collaborate closely with optics, metrology, electrical, controls/PLC, software, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure subsystem compatibility and seamless system‑level integration.
• Support vacuum‑related elements across chambers (e.g., main chamber, stage chamber, transfer chamber, etc.) by defining interfaces, mechanical constraints, and performance requirements that integrate with overall system design.
• Contribute to the development and documentation of vacuum operation schemes (pump‑down, roughing, purge, vent, bake/clean cycles), and partner with Controls/SE on interlocks and sequencing.
• Establish and maintain contamination‑control strategies—including materials selection, cleanliness/handling guidelines, and UCV‑grade component practices—working with Materials Engineering and Supply Chain to evaluate suppliers.
• Perform first‑order and detailed analyses for pumping configurations, conductance effects, and subsystem‑level performance impacts; collaborate with vacuum specialists as needed for deeper modeling.
• Lead mechanical and system‑level design reviews (CDR, DDR), ensuring design requirements flow correctly to partner teams (mechanical, electrical, opto‑mechanical, metrology, EFEM/loader, source).
• Own integration of chambers and platform structures for vibration isolation, optical stability, and stage dynamic performance.
• Plan, execute, and oversee test activities—prototype chambers, subsystem test stands, and pre‑factory builds—including instrumentation, test methods, data analysis, and acceptance metrics.
• Manage risk through FMEA, issue tracking, corrective actions, and design‑for‑reliability improvements across NPI and into HVM.
• Mentor engineers, establish best practices (DfX, contamination handling, documentation standards), and maintain engineering artifacts and decision rationale for long‑term R&D continuity.

Qualifications

Education:

• MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Applied Physics, Materials Science, EE, etc.)

Experience:

• 8–12+ years in mechanical design and integration of complex systems (semiconductor equipment, precision instrumentation, multi‑chamber tools, or equivalent)
• Experience collaborating on vacuum operation schemes and PLC‑controlled interlocks is a plus but not required as a primary role

Technical Depth:

• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering—precision design, structural/thermal/vibration analysis, contamination control, materials/finishes, and system‑level integration
• Familiarity with vacuum principles (pumping, conductance, gauging, cleanliness) desired

Tools:

• Proficiency in 3D CAD/PLM workflows
• Experience with analysis tools (ANSYS/COMSOL or similar)
• Scripting (Python/Matlab) for data processing and modeling
• Collaboration with PLC/HMI teams

Soft Skills:

• Demonstrated cross‑functional leadership, clear technical communication, supplier interaction, issue‑resolution ownership, and mentoring experience

Nice-to-Have

• Exposure to EUV‑compatible materials, optical contamination control, or reticle handling/transfer systems
• Background with precision metrology, multi‑column imaging systems, or high‑stability mechanical architectures

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

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range: $141,300.00 - $240,200.00

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.

Equal Opportunity

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 suspici