Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

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.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. Central Engineering is KLA's largest engineering organization comprised of 9 Centers-of-Excellence (CoE) in various disciplines applied across all product groups in the company. These CoE include Handling & Automation, Precision Motion Control, Sensors & Image Acquisition, Platform Design, and Packaging Engineering, among others. Talent includes over 500 engineers across global centers in Israel, China, India, and the US. Each CoE contributes not just talent and deliverables per discipline toward product programs, but also subject matter expertise, best practices, roadmaps, specialized facilities, apparatus, models, and analytics. These differentiate KLA not only in WHAT we do, but also in HOW we do it.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We're looking for a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys solving difficult engineering problems and creating innovative hardware solutions. In this role, you'll design precision motion systems and complex mechanical assemblies that directly influence the performance of next-generation semiconductor equipment. This is an opportunity to work on highly visible products, collaborate with exceptional multidisciplinary teams, and take ownership of designs from concept through prototype, testing, and product implementation.

If you are passionate about mechanical design, enjoy building real hardware, and want to see your ideas become products used across the semiconductor industry, we'd love to connect with you.

Job Duties:

• Design and develop precision mechanical systems, mechanisms, and motion platforms used in advanced semiconductor equipment
• Take ownership of designs from initial concept through detailed design, prototype development, testing, and product release
• Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
• Perform engineering analysis to evaluate and optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Help troubleshoot, test, and improve prototypes and production hardware
• Collaborate closely with systems, controls, software, manufacturing, and physics teams to solve complex technical challenges
• Contribute innovative ideas that improve system performance, accuracy, reliability, and cost
• Influence key technical decisions and help shape future product designs

Qualifications:

• Degree Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics
• Experience designing complex mechanical systems, precision equipment, automated machinery, robotics, instrumentation, aerospace systems, optical systems, medical devices, or similar technologies
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals including tolerancing, materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanism design
• Experience using CAD tools such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, or similar
• Experience performing engineering analysis, including FEA, vibration, thermal, or structural analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for developing innovative engineering solutions
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Preferred Experience

• Precision positioning or motion systems
• Precision mechanisms, flexures, or machine design
• Structural dynamics and vibration analysis
• Optical, semiconductor, metrology, aerospace, or high-technology equipment
• Design for manufacturability and product development

Why Join KLA

• Work on technology that enables the world's most advanced semiconductor devices
• Design sophisticated hardware that pushes the limits of precision and performance
• Own projects from concept through implementation
• Collaborate with experts across mechanical engineering, controls, software, optics, and physics
• Build and test real hardware-not just models and simulations
• Solve challenging technical problems with a team that values innovation, creativity, and engineering excellence

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: $120,700.00 - $205,200.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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.

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 attalent.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.