Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs (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.
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. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
About RAPID
The RAPID division is the leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. We deliver advanced inspection systems to both mask shops and semiconductor fabs, ensuring consistently high lithography yields and enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our RAPID engineering team, supporting the development of next-generation semiconductor capital equipment. This role requires a strong technical foundation combined with an ownership mindset-from concept through manufacturing handoff.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, brings clarity to requirements, and leads complex engineering efforts end-to-end.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop sophisticated precision mechanical and opto-mechanical inspection systems. You will take full ownership of the design process-from requirements definition and feasibility studies through detailed design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing release.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development, from requirements definition through manufacturing release
• Translate ambiguous or high-level requirements into clear, actionable engineering specifications
• Perform and guide detailed engineering analyses, including:
  • Structural analysis
  • Modal and vibration analysis
  • Thermal analysis
  • Fluid flow modeling
• Design and optimize systems with a focus on vibration isolation and damping performance
• Drive concept development, engineering studies, and design decisions, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability
• Own subsystem or product-level deliverables, ensuring technical quality, schedule adherence, and accountability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and service teams
• Support design reviews (RDR, CDR, DDR), validation, and system integration
• Lead manufacturing handoff, including documentation, vendor engagement, and issue resolution during builds

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or similar high-complexity hardware systems
• Familiarity with:
  • Vibration damping and isolation techniques
  • GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and precision engineering
  • Manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding, etc.)
• Experience leading projects from concept through manufacturing release

What We're Looking For

• A self-starter who can bring structure to ambiguity
• A systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary trade-offs
• A technical leader who takes pride in ownership and delivery
• Someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-project environment

Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 2+ years of experience, OR
  Master's degree with 4+ years of experience, OR
  Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience
• Strong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas:
  • Structural/FEA analysis
  • Modal & vibration analysis
  • Thermal engineering
  • Fluid flow / CFD
• Experience designing mechanical systems
• Extensive experience with CAD assemblies and detailed drawings
• Experience creating procedures for manufacturing, field installation, and service
• Proven track record of taking ownership of sophisticated engineering problems and delivering solutions
• Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated accountability and follow-through
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

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.
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.