Physics In Energy Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical / Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead initiatives focused on energy reduction and purge gas optimization across advanced semiconductor equipment platforms.

This role will combine physics-based modeling, optical/mechanical system design, and experimental validation to reduce energy consumption and minimize use of high-cost and high-impact purge gases (e.g., N, CDA, specialty gases).
The ideal candidate will bridge optical systems, fluid dynamics, thermal management, and mechanical design to develop innovative solutions that improve tool efficiency while maintaining or enhancing performance, reliability, and contamination control.
Key Responsibilities
Modeling & Simulation
Develop multi-physics models (CFD, thermal, optical path interactions) to analyze:
Gas flow behavior and purge efficiency
Heat transfer and thermal stability
Optical contamination and environmental sensitivity
Simulate purge gas distribution and consumption to identify reduction opportunities
Perform trade-off analyses between purge reduction, optical performance, and system reliability
Design & Engineering
Design and optimize opto-mechanical assemblies with reduced reliance on purge gases
Improve sealing strategies, enclosure designs, and flow paths to minimize gas usage
Collaborate with optics, systems, and process engineers to ensure performance integrity
Implement energy-efficient architectures (reduced heat loads, optimized airflow, passive solutions)
Testing & Validation
Develop and execute test plans to validate modeling predictions
Instrument systems to measure:
Gas flow rates and distribution
Temperature gradients
Optical performance under reduced purge conditions
Correlate experimental data with simulation models and refine designs accordingly
Sustainability & Cost Reduction
Drive initiatives to reduce:
Purge gas consumption (N, CDA, specialty gases)
Overall tool energy usage
Quantify cost savings and environmental impact reductions
Support compliance with internal sustainability goals and external regulations
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with:
Optical engineering
Mechanical design
Process engineering
Product safety & environmental compliance teams
Contribute to system-level architecture decisions for next-generation tools
Required Qualifications
Degree in
Mechanical Engineering
Optical Engineering
Physics or related field
5+ years of experience in:
Mechanical or Opto-mechanical system design
Strong experience with:
CFD and thermal modeling tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL)
Mechanical design (CAD) and tolerance analysis
Understanding of:
Gas flow dynamics and contamination control
Optical system sensitivity to environment (temperature, vibration, contamination)
Preferred Qualifications

Experience with purge gas systems in semiconductor tools
Knowledge of cleanroom and vacuum environments
Familiarity with:
Sustainability and energy efficiency metrics
Experience integrating modeling with experimental validation
Background in thermal management of precision optical systemsExperience with purge gas systems in semiconductor tools
Knowledge of cleanroom and vacuum environments

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

Base Pay Range: $97,000.00 - $164,900.00 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 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.