Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Vacuum Systems)(E)

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 worlds leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrows 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

Sr Mechanical Engineers are core to KLAs 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 multizone ultraclean vacuum (UCV) architecture. As a Senior Vacuum Architect you will own the endtoend vacuum operation schemefrom architecture and contamination control strategy to pumpdown/vent/transfer sequencing interlocks and factory acceptance criteria. You will lead crossfunctional design reviews translate platform requirements into subsystem specifications and ensure the vacuum system enables worldclass optical performance reliability and highvolume 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 multichamber subsystems ensuring structural stability precision performance and robust contamination control.
• Design and develop ultraclean vacuum system hardware including chamber structures interfaces materials/finishes seals and internal components applying UCV principles such as lowoutgassing materials precision cleaning requirements and contaminationminimizing geometries.
• Develop mechanical concepts and detailed designs for chambers frames interfaces mounts enclosures and precision mechanisms; create drawings specifications and requirements for crossfunctional 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 systemlevel integration.
• Support vacuumrelated 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 (pumpdown roughing purge vent bake/clean cycles) and partner with Controls/SE on interlocks and sequencing.
• Establish and maintain contaminationcontrol strategiesincluding materials selection cleanliness/handling guidelines and UCVgrade component practicesworking with Materials Engineering and Supply Chain to evaluate suppliers.
• Perform firstorder and detailed analyses for pumping configurations conductance effects and subsystemlevel performance impacts; collaborate with vacuum specialists as needed for deeper modeling.
• Lead mechanical and systemlevel design reviews (CDR DDR) ensuring design requirements flow correctly to partner teams (mechanical electrical optomechanical 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 activitiesprototype chambers subsystem test stands and prefactory buildsincluding instrumentation test methods data analysis and acceptance metrics.
• Manage risk through FMEA issue tracking corrective actions and designforreliability improvements across NPI and into HVM.
• Mentor engineers establish best practices (DfX contamination handling documentation standards) and maintain engineering artifacts and decision rationale for longterm R&D continuity.

Qualifications

• Education: MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Applied Physics Materials Science EE etc.).
• Experience: 812 years in mechanical design and integration of complex systems (semiconductor equipment precision instrumentation multichamber tools or equivalent). Experience collaborating on vacuum operation schemes and PLCcontrolled interlocks is a plus but not required as a primary role.
• Technical depth: Strong foundation in mechanical engineeringprecision design structural/thermal/vibration analysis contamination control materials/finishes and systemlevel 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 crossfunctional leadership clear technical communication supplier interaction issueresolution ownership and mentoring experience.

NicetoHave

• Exposure to EUVcompatible materials optical contamination control or reticle handling/transfer systems.
• Background with precision metrology multicolumn imaging systems or highstability mechanical architectures

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Masters Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelors Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $141300.00 - $240200.00

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLAs 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 or at 1- to request accommodation.

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